Overweight pussy cats - some alarming stats...

Stat 1 - In Australia 32% of cats are overweight or obese.

Stat 2 - In cats over 7 years of age, the risk of dying is almost 3 times higher in overweight cats compared to cats of a normal weight.


So, one third of middle aged to older cats have 3 times the chance of dying from what is a preventable problem.

We have all heard that obesity can be the precursor to many problems in humans such as diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure and heart problems; well in cats you can add in urinary tract, kidney and skin problems as well.

Correct body shape for a cat

So how do I know if my cat is overweight?

Examine your cat in the following areas:

Underneath the belly and between the hind legs – is there an ‘apron’ or roll of fat there?

Along her ribs – can you feel the ribs if you gently press down as you stroke her? If not – there is probably too much fat. 

So if she doesnt look like the cat in the right here then she is probably overweight.

Why is she overweight?

Most cats are overweight because of over-feeding and it’s all too easy to understand why. We quickly learn just how happy some special treats or new food makes them feel.

However, if your cat is going to stay in shape she is going to have to learn to live with less food. You will just have to compensate by giving her lots of extra attention!

Some tips on how to get the excess weight off...

1. Come in to Bondi Vets for a FREE weight consultation to help you set a healthy eating programme for a cat that needs to lose some excess weight. 

2. Just saying my cat needs to lose weight is great but we need to know the target weight and set a goal. Once we know the target weight then one of our vets or nurses can set up an eating plan and get you underway.

3. Cats should have multiple small meals every day. If you are away from home a lot, try a food ball or a mechanical food dispenser

4. If she begs for food give her extra cuddles and attention instead!

5. Make sure you set time aside every day to play with your cat – treat her to some new toys or just use scrunched up paper

6. Buy a tall scratching post to encourage your cat to climb

7. Consider getting a kitten to keep your cat company. More playing and activity is a great way to burn calories and keep any older cat young!

8. Watch out for cat treats – they contain lots of calories

9. Ask us to recommend a weight management food

Now for the don'ts...

1. Don't expect to buy a "light diet" from the supermarket or pet store and have success

2. Don't get weight loss advice from people who aren't qualified to give the advice.

3. Dont forget that the best place to start is with a FREE WEIGHT CONSULTATION at Bondi Vets

Remember that enabling your cat to lose weight could lead to more years of purring and cuddles!!

FREE pet insurance!!!

In a world where we are all (us included!) treating our pets like members of the family we need to make sure they can get the best medical attention possible.

Sometimes the best medical attention possible is expensive and occasionally your pet may need to be referred to a specialist for certain tests or procedures.

So in order to prevent awkward conversations or a second mortgage on your house a simple solution is pet insurance.

Thankfully Petplan are now offering free pet insurance to puppies and kittens under a year of age!

All you need is a vet check for your pet (for example when they have their vaccinations) and the vet or nurse can sign them up for a free one month trial.

The trial is obligation free and you walk out of the hospital safe in the knowledge that your pet is covered for the next month should anything untoward happen.

Petplan will then contact you regarding continuing with the policy which we recommend as we believe that Petplan is the best pet insurance company in the market.

Petplan have won the award for Pet Insurance Company of the Year for the past 4 years.

So bring your puppy, kitten or pet under a year of age in for a health check and we can sign them up for your peace of mind.

Excess Baggage?

Hi everyone and here's to a happy and healthy 2012!!

Now if your pets are like the majority of us humans then they may have slightly over-indulged during the festive season and put on a few unwanted kilos.

We all know that being overweight can make us humans more likely to develop diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney problems and arthritis. Unfortunately it is the same for our pets! 

I can hear you saying but its only one kilo so what does it matter?! Well if your 10kg dog has put on 1kg of fat or your 5kg puss has added half a kilo thats the equivalent to a 70kg person putting on 7kg!! That should make us all sit up and notice.

If you now look at your pet and think she might be in that situation then we are here to help!







= too many festive season treats!! 

Starting on Tuesday February 7th we are starting our Pet Slimmer appointments with our new vet nurse Rachel. Rachel is a very experienced nurse who loves helping pets lose weight to improve their quality of life and educate you at the same time.

The Pet Slimmer appointments are FREE and are run on Tuesdays between 2pm and 3.30pm by appointment.

As an added incentive Hills have a Pet Slimmer of the Year competition with the winner receiving a year's worth of pet food for your furry friend and travel vouchers for you!

So you could celebrate your pets new found health and happiness while sipping on a cocktail on holidays! Or take them with you.

 

"Barney loves lounging by the pool and flaunting his beach body now that he has lost those few extra kilos..."

So just call us at the hospital on 9130 2001 to book your free appointment to give your pet the health he or she deserves in 2012!