Obese Meaning cats that are 20% or more, heavier than their ideal weight.
Overweight - Meaning cats that are between 1-19% heavier than their ideal weight.

It is estimated over 50% of the UKs cats are overweight.
20-30% of these are Obese.
Cats between 2 and 10 years old are more likely to be overweight.
Cats prefer smaller, more frequent meals.
In the wild they may eat up to 20 meals per day.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they strictly feed on animals in the wild.
Cats naturally eat raw meat; it is perfectly acceptable to feed raw meat in captivity.
Cats teeth are designed to tear meat, not crunch on dry biscuits. Dry food should not be fed to benefit the cats teeth.
Water is a very important part of the cats diet:
o A cats prey is generally 75% water.
o Dry food usually has no more than 10% water.
o Tinned food usually has approximately 75% water.
o Kidney disease is the number 1 killer of cats. Kidney disease is usually the result of lack of water.
o It is important for water to be a part of the food, as they have a very low thirst drive and will not drink as much as they should.
Cats excrete the enzyme amylase from the pancreas. Amylase is used to break down carbohydrates; it is lethal to feed too many carbohydrates, but a small 3-5% carbohydrate level is ideal.
o Fibre is a non-digestible carbohydrate.
o Starch is a digestible carbohydrate.
o Un-used carbohydrates are stored as fat.

Causes of Obesity

Humans are the number one underlying cause for overweight and obese cats.
Overweight humans are more likely to have overweight pets.
Cats that eat dry food are more likely to be overweight.
Cats often eat when they are bored.
Inactive cats are 16 times more likely to become obese.
Indoor cats are twice as likely to become overweight.
Disabled cats are more likely to be overweight.
Neutered cats are 3 times more likely to become overweight.
A neutered or spayed cat usually has approximately 20% lower metabolism due to being less active. This means they require approximately 20% less calorie intake.
High energy cat food should only be fed to energetic cats. This will not make un-energetic cats more energetic.
The temperature at which your cat is kept at will affect its metabolism. Cats that live predominantly outdoors will need more calories to maintain a higher body temperature. Cats kept in a centrally heated house will need a lower calorie intake.

Effects of Obesity

Obesity shortens life expectancy.
Obesity can cause the following conditions:
o Diabetes mellitus Sugar diabetes
o Lower urinary tract disease Several disorders involving the bladder and urethra.
o Lameness Due to arthritis or muscle injuries
o Non-Allergic skin diseases Due to being less able to groom.
o Hepatic lipidosis Fat build up in the liver.
o Cardiovascular disease
o Lower stamina levels and exercise tolerance
o Higher risks when using anaesthetic
o Dystocia Problems giving birth
o Pickwickian syndrome Strain on the lungs due to excess fat, making it harder to breathe
o High blood pressure Leading to heart failure
Overweight cats are 4 times more likely to develop Diabetes mellitus
Obese cats are 7 times more likely to be affected by lameness.
Overweight cats are 3 times more likely to be affected by lameness.
Obese cats are 3 times more likely to get non-allergic skin diseases due to being less able to groom.
Obese cats are twice as likely to die at middle age, between 6 and 12 years old.