From playful kittens to dignified older cats, our feline companions often hide their struggles behind serene expressions. But a growing concern is emerging worldwide — cat obesity.
Studies reveal that around 50 per cent of cats globally are overweight, a trend increasingly seen in Malaysia, raising important questions about diet, activity and long-term health.
Royal Canin’s scientific communication manager and veterinarian, Dr Dylan Choy, mentioned that cat obesity is a growing global issue.
“Studies show that around 50 per cent of cats worldwide are overweight and unfortunately, the numbers are still rising. We see this trend in Malaysia as well.
“Many cat owners assume a chubby cat is a happy cat, with online searches frequently asking, ‘how to make my cat gain weight.’ But excess weight can trigger serious health complications.
“Obesity in cats can lead to serious health problems, such as osteoarthritis caused by excess weight putting pressure on their joints, especially in older cats. It can also increase the risk of urinary stones and other urinary tract issues,” she said in an interview with Sinar Daily.
Neutering is another factor that can unintentionally contribute to weight gain. Dr Dylan said that once neutered, a cat’s activity level and metabolism often drop, which can lead to weight gain if their diet isn’t adjusted.
Their appetite tends to increase, so without portion control, they can quickly become overweight.
“Obese cats are also more vulnerable to diabetes, which can be challenging to manage. Like in humans, diabetes in cats can lead to infections, slow healing and severe complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis if left untreated,” she added.
Royal Canin’s SEA scientific communication and scientific affairs lead and veterinarian, Dr Rio Aditya Setiawan pointed out that weight alone is not always a reliable measure.
He believes people often focus on the cat’s weight in numbers, but weight can be subjective.
“For example, a certain weight might be healthy for one cat but too heavy for another. That is why vets use a Body Condition Score similar to a human Body Mass Index (BMI), to assess whether a cat is at an ideal weight.
“Cats at a healthy weight live longer and feel better overall,” he told Sinar Daily.
Dr Dylan added perspective on breed differences, mentioning that domestic short-haired cats in Malaysia typically weigh between three to five kg.
But, she said weight alone is not the best indicator.
“For example, a Maine Coon can weigh nine kg and still be healthy because of their size, but a nine kg domestic short hair would be considered obese. That is why it is important to consult a vet and check your cat’s body condition score,” she said.
Though Malaysia does not yet have an official nationwide study, veterinarians are seeing rising obesity-related issues such as urinary problems and diabetes.
Dr Dylan emphasised the importance of early intervention.
“The first step is to work closely with your vet. During check-ups, vets can tell if a cat is overweight and guide you through a proper weight-loss plan. It is important not to drastically reduce food, as this can cause nutritional deficiencies.
“Special weight management diets are designed to help cats lose weight gradually and healthily. For prevention, I recommend adjusting diets for neutered cats and checking feeding guidelines carefully. Many owners accidentally feed twice the recommended amount,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dr Rio stressed that physical activity is equally important. He suggested using cat trees, toys and interactive play to keep the cats moving.
Dr Choy echoed this advice and said instead of lying around all day, cats need to burn calories.
“Even with smaller portions, they can still gain weight if they are inactive. Combining a controlled diet with regular playtime is the best way to maintain a healthy weight,” she said.
For cat owners, awareness, portion control and active engagement can transform a pet’s health, keeping them agile, happy and thriving for years to come.
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