As pets, cats don’t need to walk far and wide each day in search for food. They don’t have the same lifestyle of their ancestors who derived nourishment by hunting for prey.

Since their food is given to them on a regular schedule, cats don’t need to “work” for their food. This can increase the possibility of having a sedentary lifestyle which can significantly increase their risk for becoming overweight or obese.

Some owners also leave out food for their pet cats so they can eat anytime they want to. But this feeding practice can increase a cat’s risk for obesity because of the possibility of overconsumption of calories.

In addition to a nutritionally balanced diet, environmental enrichment is very important to give pet cats lots of opportunities for physical and mental stimulation and burn excess energy.

Your pet’s diet is just one of the important topics that you should discuss with your Orangevale, CA veterinarian during wellness checks. Learn more here.