Feline obesity is a major welfare problem affecting an estimated 25-40% of adult cats, causing joint pain, diabetes, respiratory compromise, and reduced quality and length of life.
Feline obesity causes genuine suffering through joint pain limiting natural movement, increased risk of painful conditions including diabetes requiring daily injections, and reduced ability to perform normal grooming. Obese cats struggle to groom their hindquarters, causing skin and coat problems. The laboured breathing of severely obese cats during minimal activity reveals the welfare burden of excess weight. Owners frequently fail to recognise their cat as obese, either perceiving the cat as within normal variation or lacking confidence to restrict food when the cat demands more. Veterinary guidance on calorie-restricted feeding alongside environmental enrichment to increase activity represents the welfare-positive management approach.