Fat cat struggles to lose weight despite exercising outside and barely eating

MY five-year-old neutered tom cat Ginger is decidedly plump. He doesn't eat much, just pouches and dry food and exercises outside but never seems to lose weight.

obesity, diabetes, skin problems, piches, insulin, weight problems, pet problems, questions, david grantALAMY

Obesity is in the news for Britain's children - but it is also affecting our cats!

ANSWER:

OBESITY can lead to a n umber of health problems including diabetes but the most serious is hepatic lipidosis, in which the healthy liver is replaced with fat.

As some obese cats are unable to groom properly this can also lead to skin problems. In non-obese cats you should be able to feel the ribs and see a waist when looking from above.

Personally I am not in favour of dry foods. While they are convenient, less messy and often loved by cats, they are lower in protein and higher in carbohydrate then a meat-based diet, which is more natural for felines.

I feed my cats on good quality commercial meat-based pouches.

Both my cats get the recommended three pouches a day, the first at 8am, then 3pm and finally 9pm. With the last meal they get a couple of treats to ensure they come running in.

In Ginger's case I'd suggest no dry food and sticking to the recommended number of pouches a day. I'd also suggest a check-up and accurate weighing.

The veterinary product company MDC Exports Ltd (mdcexports.co.uk) supplies bright collars with 'Do not feed me' on them, just in case Ginger is getting rations from neighbours.

David Grant MBE was a vet at the RSPCA Harmsworth Hospital for Animals. Write to him at Express Yourself, 10 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6EN. He is unable to enter into individual correspondence.

Britain's Fattest Pets Compete For Title of UK's Biggest Pet Loser

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?