What is the #1 risk factor for a cat becoming obese?

You might be surprised to know that an estimated four out of ten cats in the U.S. are obese. According to a study from Cornell University, obese cats are more likely to develop diabetes mellitus, joint diseases, and non-allergic skin problems than cats at an optimal weight.

The number one factor that contributes to this pervasive issue is the easy accessibility to food today's kitties enjoy. Leaving food out and letting cats eat anytime they want often leads to more food consumption than they need. Iveta Becvarova, a veterinarian at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, suggests an alternative, saying measured amounts of foods are the ideal way to keep cats lean.

-Dr. Andrea Looney, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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