Sometimes an overweight cat can put a smile on one's face because after all, the cat looks cuddly and cute. But cuteness aside, it can actually be a major health hazard for the cat. Like their human owners, obesity can negatively affect cats, especially indoor cats and it usually comes down to too many calories and a lack of exercise.

Obesity in cats simply means the cat has excess body fat, and it can lead to several adverse health effects, such as reducing the cat's lifespan, even if the cat is moderately overweight. Other areas of the body can be affected as well, including the:

• Bones
• Joints
• Digestive system
• Organs responsible for breathing

Obesity is rare in young cats; it's more common in middle-aged cats who are between the ages of 5 and 10. The cats who are at the most risk fall into two categories: neutered males and indoor cats.

Just like sedentary humans who don't get enough exercise, indoor cats are at a higher risk of obesity due to a lack of physical activity. However, changes in their metabolism can increase their risk of obesity as well.

Signs of obesity in cats include weight gain, excess body fat, and an inability to exercise and the unwillingness to engage in exercise.

What causes obesity in cats?

While neutering, insulinoma, hyperadrenocoricism, and hypothurodidsm can all lead to obesity in our feline friends, the most common culprit is an imbalance in the cat's consumption of calories and their expenditure of those calories. A high calorie diet, and frequent treats can contribute to this unhealthy condition.

If you believe that your cat's weight may be risking their health and life expectancy, contact a veterinarian for help. They may suggest a diet that is rich in fiber and protein and low in fat, and they will likely recommend increasing your cat's activity level, as this is usually vital in treating feline obesity.