People love to give their feline friends a snack, but when you pamper your pet too much, it can lead to a fat cat.  Nearly 60% of all cats are either overweight or obese, according to the American Veterinary Association.  But that doesn’t mean that you can never give Shadow treats, only that you need to choose carefully, both what you give and when.  Here are 7 tips for keeping your fluffy feline happy, healthy, and still feeling special.

1 – Chubby isn’t charming.  If your cat can’t bend over enough to clean itself and if her belly drags on the ground, then she may be overweight.  It may be time to see your vet so he or she can develop a weight loss program for your kitty.  Overweight cats are prone to liver disease, diabetes, and arthritis, among other illnesses, so this is serious stuff.

2- Go Green. Cat grass is a great treat for cats – easy to grow at home or to find at pet stores.

3 – Train for treats. Contrary to popular belief, cats actually can be trained to do tricks!  Get Tiger to stand on his hind legs, or shake with his paw.  You can also train them to hold still for things he wouldn’t usually like such as nail trimming or being medicated.  Rewards go a long way.

4 – Don’t treat to love. Cats don’t love you any more for treats.  It’s the playing, petting and holding that helps a cat bond with you.

5 – Keep treats a treat. Offer treats 2-3 times a week, or maybe even every day.  Just don’t let the treats make up more than 10% of a cat’s diet.  And just because Milo won’t eat his regular food but begs for his treats instead doesn’t mean that you have to give in!

6 – Keep people food to a minimum. Cat foods contain the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids needed to keep Princess healthy.  Occasionally you can give her some tuna, cheese, chicken or fish, but try to limit what makes it into her Waterford crystal bowl.

7 – Know what’s safe and what isn’t. Raisins, grapes, onions, alcohol, and Macadamia nuts (just to name a few) – these may be tasty to us, but they can be toxic to a kitty.  If you’re not sure, give us a call or go to www.aspca.org for a very comprehensive list of toxic foods as well as plants.

Now go have fun with your frisky feline.  Show him or her how much you care, and go ahead and give a treat, just not too many!

Till next time,         Dr. Steve,                                     ashburnanimals.com,    703-729-0700

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