Choosing Better Veterinary Care

Whether your cat has long or short fur, what's hiding underneath that coat should be a lithe and healthy physique. Unfortunately, many cats get out of shape as the years go on, especially if you don't have much time to play with your kitty. Even so, knowing the difference between a healthy cat and an out of shape one can be tough for many pet owners. If you're wondering if your cat is out of shape, here are three key signs to look for.

High Weight

Many people take joy in how chubby their cats look, but you can definitely take it too far. Your cat's healthy weight is partially dependent upon their age, gender, and breed. By looking up your cat's particular breed, you can easily find out if they're overweight. However, if your cat is a mutt or of mixed heritage, it can get a little more difficult. Thankfully, your veterinarian can easily let you know if your cat is overweight with a physical examination and a quick weigh-in at their office.

Limited Play

Cats should play on a regular basis, even as they become older. There are two big signs your cat is out of shape under this category: either your cat isn't interested in play, or they become exhausted quickly.

It's very rare for cats to not show interest in play, and it may indicate that there's an underlying problem with your cat. For example, they may be developing arthritis. Talking to your vet about their behavior can get you on the road to recovery and your kitty back to playing regularly.

Alternatively, if your cat becomes easily exhausted, there's a good chance that they're either out of shape or not healthy. In either case, gently building up how often your kitty plays will help to improve their endurance. If you don't see a change in your cat's play ability, make an appointment to see the vet.

Constant Hunger

Lastly, cats shouldn't be hungry all the time. If you feed your cat enough to maintain its body weight and it still wants more, that's a bad sign. While some kitties are just eager to eat, it can also mean that your cat has a problem like diabetes, especially if they're already overweight. Diabetes can be controlled with a vet-prescribed diet, and your kitty's hunger will probably go back to normal as a result. Ignoring this symptom can allow diabetes to worsen, so don't ignore this sign.

These three indicators could mean that your cat is unhealthy or just plain out of shape. Your vet will be able to build a special diet for your cat to control any health issues, bring their weight down, and keep them building strong muscles so they can get back to playing regularly. For more information, work with a vet at a local clinic like Pittsburgh Spay & Vaccination Clinic.