Why do fat cats get fat?

2013-09-22T02:01:00.002-07:00

Because all cats have slower or faster metabolisms. The fatter the cat, the slower the metabolisms.
Sadly, the most common cause of obesity in cats is due to what the cat eats, and how much the cat eats. Obesity in cats is becoming a very common problem with around 50% of all pet cats being considered as overweight.

Many brands of dry and low quality wet food are packed with corns and grains. This is cheap carbohydrate filler that the food manufacturers use as its a cheaper source of protein than meat is. Cats are strict carnivores, so can only get their nutrients from meat-based protein, not plant-based protein. Grains, not only are completely indigestible, is one of the main causes of obesity, diabetes, food allergies and other health-related problems in cats. A cat will often overeat (especially if free-fed) to get all the nutrients it needs.

A cat's stomach cannot digest such complex carbohydrates, and most of the time it gets stored as fat, which will build up over months or years. Even prescription brands such as Royal Canin and Science Diet have a huge amount of grains and cereals in and not much meat-based protein.

Lastly, cats need exercise. Not only does frequent playing with your cat help exercise it mentally and physically, it also provides both pet and owner with happiness and strengthens the bond between pet and owner.