There is a direct and pretty obvious correlation between the increase in domestic cat obesity and the increase in full-time indoor cats which very clearly points to cat caregivers oversimplifying the concept of keeping cats indoors all the time.
It is not just about closing the door and windows and getting rid of the cat flap. That does not cut it. There has to be a big focus on ensuring indoor cats have the facilities and caregiver input to express their natural behaviour as they did when they were allowed outside.
And this takes a lot of effort and a modificaiton of the interior of one’s home which is something cat owners don’t like to do.
I have rarely seen or read about a home that is fully feline enriched. Almost all full-time indoor cats live in frankly boring and sterile environments from the cat’s perspective which inevitably leads to cats eating and snoozing more than they should. In short they pleasure feed and are inactive; a sure fire way to become obese and at least mildy depressed just as a human would if they were under house arrest! Which by the way is what the British government is going to be doing much more of because the prisons are full!
Yes, I see full-time indoor cats living in unenriched environments as akin to zoo animals in barren cages. Zoo animals are often kept in better conditions that domestic cats.
Strong thoughts and words!? Yes, because nothing is being done about this feline health crisis. It is just sloppy cat caregiving. And it seems to be accepted year in year out. It is frustrating to see this when one cares about animal welfare.
Some more on this pressing issue (from Google Gemini):
In the UK, around 31% of cats are kept indoors only, while 67% have access to both indoor and outdoor environments. This represents a significant increase in indoor-only cats compared to 2011, when only 15% lived solely indoors.
Yes, there is evidence of an increase in domestic cat obesity in the UK. Veterinary professionals and studies indicate that a significant portion of cats in the UK are overweight or obese. This trend is associated with factors like overfeeding, lack of exercise, and trends towards keeping cats indoors.
49% of veterinary professionals say they’ve seen an increase in pet obesity in the last two years.
Studies on cat obesity in the UK indicate that the prevalence of overweight and obese body condition in cats has increased in recent years.
Factors Contributing to Obesity:
- Overfeeding: Cats are often fed more than they need, especially with the practice of “free feeding” where food is available throughout the day.
- Lack of Exercise: Indoor cats, in particular, may not get enough physical activity.
- Indoor Lifestyle: The trend of keeping cats indoors, often to protect them from outdoor hazards, can lead to decreased activity levels and increased risk of obesity.
More: enriched environment
