Managing obesity in cats can be challenging, but the stakes are even higher for pet guardians who live with more than one cat. With the joy of having multiple feline companions comes the responsibility of ensuring each one maintains a healthy weight. This task requires careful observation and strategic planning, as the dynamics of a multi-cat home may contribute to an increased risk of obesity. In this blog post, we will dive into the risk factors associated with feline obesity, explore why cats living in groups are particularly susceptible, and provide practical tips for managing weight in a multi-cat home. Whether you’re a seasoned cat guardian or new to sharing a living space with more than one feline friend, this blog post aims to support you in keeping all your cats fit and healthy.
Obesity – An Epidemic
Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder affecting cats (and dogs) in North America, posing serious health risks. It has been reported that up to 63% of adult cats in developed countries are overweight. Excess weight can lead to an increased risk in developing certain diseases or disorders, including diabetes mellitus, cancer, heart disease, and osteoarthritis. These conditions not only shorten a cat’s lifespan but also significantly impact their overall well-being, making it crucial for pet guardians to address and prevent obesity.
Risk Factors for Feline Obesity
Several factors contribute to the prevalence of obesity among cats, and many of these are specific to the habits and behaviors of their caretakers. Pet guardian-specific risk factors refer to the actions, lifestyle choices, and knowledge of pet guardians that directly impact their pets’ weight and overall health. Please see the table below for examples of pet guardian-specific risk factors and how they contribute to obesity.
| Risk Factors | Reasoning |
| High energy dense diet | Leads to consumption of excess calories |
| Misunderstanding pet food labels | Can lead to overfeeding due to misinterpretation of serving sizes and nutritional content |
| Free choice feeding (food is constantly available) | Results in overfeeding and excess calorie intake |
| Indoor confinement / Lack of regular activity | Reduces opportunities for calorie burning and enrichment |
| Lack of awareness about ideal body condition | Caretakers may not recognize weight gain until it becomes significant |
| Using food as a reward or for bonding | Encourages overfeeding and creates an association between food and affection |
These factors create a perfect storm for weight gain in cats, highlighting the importance of thoughtful feeding management techniques and encouraging physical activity to maintain a healthy weight.
Why Cats in Multi-Cat Households May Be at Greater Risk
When two or more cats live in the same confined space, social dynamics can significantly influence each cat’s eating behaviours and body weight. Dominant or assertive cats may monopolize food resources, preventing more submissive cats from accessing the food bowl regularly. This hierarchy can lead to uneven feeding patterns, where some cats become grazers while others consume meals quickly. This imbalance often results in one cat overeating and becoming overweight while another may struggle to maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, caretakers may contribute to this issue by providing each cat with the same amount of food for convenience, rather than calculating each individual cat’s appropriate daily caloric intake. Recognizing and managing these social interactions and feeding behaviors are crucial steps in preventing obesity among cats living together.
Unsure if your cat is overweight? Check out our blog post “Scoring for Health” which discusses the science of body condition scoring!
Managing Obesity in a Multi-Cat Home
Diet & Feeding Management
Once you have identified one (or more!) of your cats as being overweight, the next step is to choose an appropriate diet that supports weight loss. Speak with your veterinary team to help select a diet that considers the specific nutritional needs of each cat, their ideal weight, and overall lifestyle. Simply reducing the volume of food being offered is not appropriate, as this may lead to deficiencies of essential nutrients over time. Your veterinary team will assist you with appropriate diet selection and determining how much to feed each day.
The next crucial step is diligently following the diet plan recommended by your veterinary team and ensuring that each cat consumes the allotted portion. To reduce pressure of the social hierarchy during feeding, consider implementing these management strategies:
- Feed each cat in separate rooms or designated areas of the house and supervise their meals to ensure they eat their correct portion.
- Invest in smart feeders equipped with microchip technology, which only open for the designated cat and dispense the precise amount of food at certain times of the day.
Increasing Activity
In addition to the diet plan, daily activity is crucial for managing weight in cats, particularly in multi-cat households where activity levels can vary. Here are some ideas to help keep your cats active:
- Interactive play sessions with feather toys or laser pointers to encourage aerobic movement.
- Using puzzle feeders or food-dispensing toys that require physical movement to access food.
- Creating vertical spaces with cat trees or shelves for climbing and exploration.
- Acknowledge each cat’s unique play preferences, and allocate daily time to cater to these differences, ensuring all cats are actively engaged and enriched.
- Providing supervised outdoor time in a secure, cat-proofed area, or by using a harness and leash for walks.
It may be beneficial to reach out to a veterinary rehabilitation clinic to inquire about weight loss programs. Rehab specialists can provide professional guidance to support effective weight management through targeted exercise or rehabilitation routines.
Monitoring Progress
Monitoring your cats’ progress in a period of weight loss requires patience and consistency. It’s essential to weigh your cats weekly to track their progress and remain accountable. Remember, achieving a healthy weight takes time and dedication. Celebrate small milestones along the way, and don’t hesitate to consult your veterinary team for adjustments to the plan as needed. With careful monitoring and support, you can help all the cats in your home live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Written by:
Tonia Palermo, BScH, OVC Pet Nutrition Summer Student
Reviewed by:
Shawna Morrow, BSc.H., MSc., PhD Candidate
Dr. Sarah K. Abood, DVM, PhD, Associate Professor, Nestlé Purina Professorship in Companion Animal Nutrition
Dr. Adronie Verbrugghe, DVM, PhD, EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition (Dip ECVCN), Associate Professor, Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Endowed Chair in Canine and Feline Clinical Nutrition
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