"According to various studies, between 20 and 44% of domestic cats suffer from overweight. Among neutered animals, this figure reaches 50%," said veterinarian Olga Mikheeva. She noted that this is a serious problem for both veterinarians and pet owners.
A specialist explained how to determine if a cat is overweight. To do this, it is necessary to calculate the body mass index (BMI).
BMI is the ratio of the cat's chest circumference divided by the coefficient 0.7062, and the length of the leg, also divided by another coefficient – 0.9156.
If the BMI is in the range of 15–29.9, this indicates a normal weight for the animal. A BMI value from 30 to 42 indicates that the cat is overweight. A value over 42 indicates obesity.
Being overweight in domestic cats can lead to the development of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory issues, as well as musculoskeletal disorders, urinary tract problems, and reproductive system pathologies.
