Obesity In Bengal Cats: Preventing Overfeeding For A Healthy Cat
Posted on: 3 November 2015
Like all cats, it is not healthy for a Bengal to gain too much weight. While they are usually playful things, it is still possible for them to become obese from too much eating. Feeding a Bengal is a little different from feeding a regular house cat. Learn how to properly feed a Bengal and when to worry about obesity.
Normal Weight
Bengals are considered medium to large breed cats, but that larger size does not come from fat. Bengals have long and sleek bodies with good muscle that makes them heavier when they don't look it. The average male Bengal weighs in at 10-15 pounds, but a heavier cat isn't necessarily overweight.
When to Worry
As mentioned above, Bengals have long, sleek bodies. It is pretty easy to notice when a Bengal is gaining too much weight. You'll notice the roundness of the belly if you look at the cat from above instead of straight, flat sides. Don't worry about the saggy belly. This is actually normal for most cats, but very common in Bengals. It seems that the saggy belly is a mark of the wild cat. Wild cats have saggy bellies in order to store food after a huge kill.
How Much to Feed a Bengal
Bengals have good metabolisms. They also love to run and play so exercise helps keep them slim. It is actually harder to keep a Bengal fed enough than it is to overfeed. That fear of underfeeding an active cat is usually the cause of the obesity. Bengal owners don't want their begging cat to starve so they over feed.
On average, adult Bengals need 26-30 calories per pound per day. Kittens need significantly more.
How to Maintain or Lose Weight
Once your Bengal reaches adulthood, it is a good time to keep him on a steady diet to maintain weight. If your adult Bengal is at a good weight, figure out his needed daily calorie intake to determine how much food he should get and stick to that amount.
If you Bengal is overweight, subtract two pounds to his weight and give the amount of food for that weight. This isn't always easy for Bengals as they are great beggars and excellent at finding their own food. Luckily, Bengals can enjoy lower calorie treats to tide them over until dinner time. Lower calorie treats include raw chicken, which is good for them but less calories than cat food.
Keep your Bengal healthy and at the right weight with these tips.
For professional veterinary care, contact an office such as Ark Veterinary Hospital.
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