By Brent Mayabb, DVM

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Obesity is a growing epidemic in the cat population. Factors such as neutering, food that is energy-dense and highly-palatable, free- or over-feeding, and decreased territory size contribute to the rise in incidence of obesity. Consumers are frequently confused by the different types of diets available that are labeled as "Light" or "For Weight Loss." Royal Canin offers many products that may aid in the prevention or treatment of obesity in cats. The question is, "How do I recommend the correct one?"

The first issue to consider is a question of degree. Is the cat grossly obese, slightly overweight, or just obesity-prone? If the cat's weight is more than 15% over the ideal weight, then a veterinarian-supervised weight loss plan is the best recommendation. It is the safest and the most likely to be successful. Choices in our veterinary lines for cats are Royal Canin Calorie Control CC High Protein and Calorie Control High Fiber.

For cats that are less than 15% overweight, many times a retail diet will be the most fitting selection. Within each of the retail lines, there is a "light" version which can assist in mild weight loss. In the Health Nutrition line there is a formula in the Indoor range called Light 37. It has a reduced caloric content, L-carnitine to help utilize fatty acids, and high protein to maintain lean muscle mass. Additionally, it has tartar reduction and hairball control. We recently had a retail promotion that underscored the importance of accuracy of feeding amounts by giving away a free scale to measure the ration for each feeding.

Royal Canin has once again taken the lead in the arena of obesity-prevention. We have recently launched the Neutered Cat line of maintenance diets for veterinarians, as well as re-launched the Feline Health Nutrition line with a range of foods for indoor cats aimed at obesity-prevention. Our research has shown that spaying and neutering are associated with obesity in cats. In only 48 hours after surgery, we can measure increases in food consumption. The resting metabolic rate also decreases following surgery. The percent fat mass increases over time if the diet isn't adjusted. The Neutered Cat line has reduced energy to help prevent the obesity that comes from these changes. Other unique features are reduced risk of urinary crystal formation, high protein to retain lean body mass, and tartar/plaque control. The diets are Growth DD 34, Young Male WS 38, Young Adult YWS 34, and Mature WK 28.

In the new Indoor Range of Feline Health Nutrition, we have 5 diets (one is the above-mentioned Light 37) from which to choose that also provide reduced caloric intake. Indoor cats have smaller territories (= less exercise), easy access to very palatable food that is energy dense, and are also usually spayed or neutered. In the range we have Indoor 27, Beauty & Fit 37, Intense Hairball 37, Light 37, and Mature 27. All have reduced calories, tartar control, and hairball control.

The problem of obesity in cats is growing in the United States. It can lead to secondary health issues such as diabetes mellitus, urinary tract disease, orthopedic disease, and skin disease. Longevity of obese cats is decreased. Lifestyle choices such as neutering and keeping cats indoors certainly contribute to overall health and happiness by reducing incidence of infectious disease, trauma, and the untoward behavior of intact animals. An unwanted effect of these choices can be obesity. To combat this disease, we need to not only offer excellent treatments, but also provide diets that are designed to prevent weight gain. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.