Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Obesity and Welfare Implications

Feline obesity is a major welfare problem linked to diabetes, arthritis, urinary disease, and reduced quality of life.

Key Facts

An estimated 40-50% of pet cats in the UK are overweight or obese
Obesity increases the risk of diabetes mellitus by 3-5 fold
Arthritis pain is significantly worsened by excess body weight
Obese cats have difficulty grooming, leading to skin and coat problems
Indoor-only cats and neutered cats are at highest risk of obesity

Welfare Considerations

Obesity in cats is not a cosmetic issue - it causes chronic pain, metabolic disease, and significantly shortens lifespan. Many owners are unaware their cat is obese due to poor body condition scoring knowledge. Veterinary guidance on appropriate feeding and exercise, combined with owner education, can prevent much obesity-related suffering.

What You Can Do

Learn to assess your cat's body condition score
Follow veterinary guidance on appropriate portion sizes
Provide environmental enrichment that encourages physical activity