Overweight felines need a health regimen too

Spring is here and it's time for us to get more active, but it is also time for us to encourage our felines to do the same.

Some of us have become "couch potatoes" over the winter and have indulged ourselves a little bit too much. Have you stopped to think that your conduct may be influencing your feline to also live an unhealthy lifestyle?

A few pounds on us is not so terrible -- a few pounds on your feline can be called obesity!

If you notice a weight gain on your feline without going to your veterinarian, it has packed on too many pounds, which is not healthy. This is why annual checkups are so important. Every time your feline goes to the animal hospital for a checkup, its weight is documented. Over a period of several years, this information is valuable in helping to determine health status.

Obese felines are at risk for many health conditions including, but not limited to, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and continued long-term joint problems. A dramatic weight gain over a short period of time is just as alarming.

Besides visiting your veterinarian, just what is the solution? The answer would be exercise for both you and your feline, along with controlling food portions.

An overweight feline can become lazy and lose interest in play and toys altogether. As they become overweight, they nap for more extensive periods of time while their waking time is consumed with an obsession for the food bowl. This is when they need our help.

An obese feline needs to be encouraged to play with interactive toys such as pull, wand-like or feather toys for short periods of time. Create a new interest in playing again. Playtime should be gradually increased so that you are not physically stressing out your exercise buddy.

Next, a controlled diet is important. Perhaps you can avoid feeding "free-choice," where the bowl is out at all times, or if you do leave it out, limit the portion. Be careful to note your enabling behavior. Every hour is not treat time, like time for another spoonful of canned food or time for table scraps. You have to exercise control for your feline if your feline can not.

Also, perhaps it is time to revisit the type of food you are feeding your pet. Consulting your veterinarian on the types of foods you are feeding your feline is always a good idea. We wish you the best of luck in getting your feline on a healthy regimen.

Featured felines

Buster, a Maine Coon mix with white markings, is neutered and his front paws are declawed. He was deserted by his family after they had a baby and given back to The Buddy Foundation. He is gentle and docile. He does not know what he did wrong to lose his home and has a blank, lost look about him. He is in need of a new, understanding home to get him though this time of bewilderment.

Valentine is a rare red, female Maine Coon who is 7 years old. Valentine received her name from her rescuer, who found her on Valentine's Day. She took Valentine to the veterinarian and housed her until The Buddy Foundation could make room for her.

Valentine is described by her foster mother as a total lap cat. She is outgoing and likes other felines, and is sweet and entertaining. She even gets along with small dogs.

Whitley was found in some bushes in an industrial area when she was about 4 months old. She has learned to trust in the past two months that she has been in foster care. She will learn to trust someone new, as long as you are patient.

Whitley is all black and about 6 months old. She is also spayed. Her size is more in line with a kitten 3-4 months old. We believe she will always stay a petite feline.

Whitley enjoys playing with wand toys and other felines. She is tolerant of dogs. Although she does not play with them, she does not try to back off when they approach.

Adoption events

April 12: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Animal Feeds and Needs, 401 W. Golf Road, Arlington Heights, and PETCO in the Mount Prospect Plaza.

Muddy Paws Pooch and Parent Health and Wellness Spa Day: Noon April 26; 20429 N. Rand Road, Palatine. Pooch massage and parent chair massage. (847) 540-9451 or (773) 391-3185.