Keep track of your feline's weight to keep it healthy
Do you think you are a feline fancier who knows your pet right down to the last detail?
Well, rethink that presumption.
Most of us have experienced a suddenly overweight feline, to the point that your veterinarian is calling your precious a "chunky monkey." The truth is, all that weight did not happen overnight. It crept on due to your everyday lack of observation until the problem was more than obvious.
Absent a medical problem, a weight issue in excess can be solved by lots of exercise, encouraged play and a change in food and treat choices.
The opposite end of the spectrum is much harder to correct if you let it creep up on you - excess weight loss.
First, how often do you monitor your feline's weight when you are not getting that information from your veterinarian? And, if you attempt to monitor it, what is your methodology?
Next, do you have a general idea what the proper weight range of your feline should be? The factors you should consider here are bone structure, muscle mass, body type and breed-mix, just to name a few.
This information can be gathered from the animal's history, as provided to you from your adopting animal shelter (hopefully Buddy), the history as you know it (if you have personally done the rescue), and a mix of your veterinarian's best calculation.
Sometimes the history is not always ideal when we are dealing with a rescue because an animal's past may be sketchy.
Knowing what you are looking for is key to weight assessment. For example, if your feline has Oriental tendencies, like Siamese, the weight range would be on the lower range.
A dramatic comparison to the Oriental would be that of a Maine coon or Norwegian mix. This weight range comparison considers both body type variances and fur variances. Just between the Oriental and the sturdy feline, body weight can vary from 7-18 pounds.
Beyond these differences, you can get a real feel for a feline's proper weight by examining its torso. When your feline is at a healthy weight, the torso is muscular. The spine and ribs will not be readily visible, but will be easily felt.
In contrast, an underweight feline will not only look skinny, but the spine and ribs will be clearly visible.
You should be familiar with your feline's weight beyond your veterinarian's office by weighing your feline regularly. You can weigh your feline on a monthly schedule to take a more aggressive approach to weight maintenance.
If you do not have a baby scale, an ordinary bathroom scale will work. Weigh yourself holding your feline, then without holding the animal. The difference between the two weights will be close enough to your feline's true weight.
If you keep the practice of tracking your feline's weight on a regular basis, you can avoid the shock in your veterinarian's office when you are informed of a drastic weight loss. If you notice the weight creeping off, you may be able to avoid some significant medical conditions that may be costly and difficult to diagnosis.
Any dramatic weight loss in a feline would suggest a serious medical problem. Any simple, preventive measures you can do at home to monitor your feline's health and weight only increases quality of life for your feline friend and the amount of time they will happily share your life.
Upcoming:
• Blessing of the Animals: 1 p.m. Saturday, May 25, The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights. People and pets should gather on the west side of the shelter. Make sure your pet is current on shots and properly tethered. Father Bob Heinz of St. Norbert's in Northbrook will preside.
• Open House: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 15, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights. Buddy is hosting an open house to celebrate the 11th anniversary of its shelter. Come and bring your pet; refreshments will be served.
• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is an all-volunteer, nonprofit 501(c) 3 organization dedicated to the rescue of stray, abused and abandoned animals. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.