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30+ Cats That Went From Being Mega-Chonkers To Lean Floofs

The excess weight of mega-chonky, thicc, and floofy pets may appear cuddly and cute, but it isn’t healthy for their health. Some pet owners have transformed their overweight cats into very happy felines by undergoing ameowzing transformations.

We has gathered some of the best photos of cats before and after weight loss to encourage you and your pets to achieve the same. Scroll down to upvote your favorite happy cats and share images of your own pets in the comments section. Check out our previous postings on other cats who lost a lot of weight: Wilford, Bazooka, and Bronson, when you’ve finished petting these gorgeous felines through your screens.

Dr. Ernie Ward, founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, spoke with us about cat obesity, health, and diet. “The number one health danger to our pets is obesity. Obesity in cats isn’t just chubby; it’s a biological time bomb. Obesity in cats is a serious condition that can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and a variety of cancers. The worst aspect about feline obesity is that it shortens their lives and lowers their quality of life significantly. Obese cats are in serious need of our assistance.” The rest of our in-depth interview with Dr. Ward, as well as our conversation with the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), the UK’s top vet charity, can be found below.

(h/t: boredpanda)

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#2 Bronson’s Journey To A Healthier Life. Adopted At 33 Lbs (15 Kg), Now He Weighs 19.9 Lbs (9 Kg)

#3 Before – Fat, Dirty, Breathing Problems, And Unable To Clean Herself. Now – Blessed And Highly Favored

Dr. Ward said that diet accounts for about 90% of a cat's weight loss, with physical activity accounting for about 10%. As a result, it's critical not to overfeed your cat. 

“This is why it's critical for cat owners to exactly provide the right number of calories every day. “I propose that you have your veterinarian examine your cat's current Body Condition Score (BCS), set a target weight, and calculate the quantity of calories you should feed each meal,” the pet healthcare expert added. 

“I strongly advise cat owners to use a kitchen scale to weigh their food. Dr. Ward added, "We've done trials with cat owners and veterinary specialists and have regularly noted that using a measuring cup to achieve weight loss isn't as exact as needed in many circumstances."

#5 From Almost 20 lbs To 14 lbs. He’s A Larger Cat Than Normal But Now He’s A Lean, Large Cat

#6 Rehomed This Little Big Buddy A Little Over A Year Ago. Meet Big Tony

“Even ten more kibbles each day can add up to a pound of weight gain in a cat over the course of a year. Weighing the food takes no longer than using a measuring cup once you get the hang of it. Finally, if your cat isn't losing weight, talk with your veterinarian to alter the diet or calories every three months.”  

He went on to say: “I've observed far too many cats who haven't lost weight despite being fed the same food for months. When I inquire as to why, the pet parent shrugs and says, "I'm providing the special diet my veterinarian recommended." Weight reduction is a journey with many unexpected bends and hills; you must stay aware and be willing to change your course if you aren't succeeding.”

Exercise for cats, according to Dr. Ward, can be extremely simple. Every day, for example, three 5-minute play sessions with a laser pointer, feather duster, or new cardboard box are all that is required.

#7 Adopted This Cute Overweight Kitty, Put Him On A Diet And After A Few Years He Had Less Than Half The Weight Of When I First Got Him

#9 She’s Proud Of The Post-Diet Body

“I also prefer to engage a cat's 'inner predator' by employing 'hunter feeders' and food riddles.' Allow your cat to climb and stalk as much as possible using vertical surfaces, climbing towers, and other perches. Environmental enrichment and exercise are critical for emotional and behavioral well-being as well as keeping a healthy body weight.” 

As long as cats are on a vet-supervised weight loss program, they can safely shed 1 to 3% of their body mass per month, according to Dr. Ward. “For most cats, it corresponds to a monthly weight reduction of around a half-pound. A cat might suffer a life-threatening form of liver failure if it loses too much weight too rapidly or is fed too little, so consult your veterinarian before starting any diet program with your cat.”

#10 This Is Amy. She’s Been Living At The Shelter For Over A Year And No One Wanted Her Because She Has Weight Issues. But I Do As Well So We’re On A Diet Together

#11 Barsik Came From A Shelter At 41 lbs. He Is On A Vet-Supervised Diet And Losing Steadily

#12 He Went From 20 To 14 Pounds

When we contacted the PDSA, the UK's premier animal welfare organization, representatives informed us of the dangers of obesity in cats, as well as how slowly they should lose weight.  

“Cats enjoy grooming their fur. Overweight or obese cats may find it difficult to reach particular sections of their bodies, resulting in poor grooming and the formation of knots in their fur, according to the PDSA. “Cats who are overweight tend to live a less active lifestyle, which can lead to increased weight gain as well as bad mental health.” 

“Obesity in cats can also increase the risk of disorders like diabetes, liver problems (such as fatty liver), bladder problems, and respiratory problems in particular breeds,” they stated. Excessive weight on joints might hasten the onset of arthritis.”

#13 Stan Has Successfully Dechonked At 10 Years Old. He’s Got A Long Life Ahead Of Him

#14 Mister Weez Was Always My Big Chonk. After A Year Of Diet And Exercise, He’s Now My Small/Medium Chonk

#15 Look At My Handsome Boy’s Progress

When it comes to nutrition adjustments, DSA recommends following your veterinarian's advice and opting for a moderate and consistent weight loss program rather than one that is rushed. “We don't want to starve our pets, and drastically reducing their food intake can mean they aren't getting enough nutrients to maintain a good balance, which can be harmful,” the PDSA team explained. 

“Set small, attainable goals that will help you achieve a larger long-term goal, take pictures, and compare your cat to a body condition chart, paying attention to: 

1. Take a look at your cat from both sides and above. There should be a waist to them. 

2. Examine your cat's stomach. It should be curved inside rather than bulging outward.

3. Run your hand along the side and rear of your cat. You should be able to easily feel their ribs, spine, and hip bones, but they should not protrude. 

4. Press your fingers at the base of your cat's tail where it meets the spine. There should be no fat accumulation.” 

Check out the PDSA's Pet Health Hub for additional information on keeping your dogs healthy.

#18 My Senior Rescue Boy Went From Full Loaf To Slice Of Bread

Nearly 60% of all indoor cats in the United States are overweight at the moment. Carrying a lot of extra weight has a bad impact on your cat's quality of life; when they're sleek and slim, they're much happier and healthier. Obesity raises your cat's chances of developing diabetes. The good news is that by losing weight, they may be able to fully eliminate their diabetes.  

Obese cats are also at danger of developing feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), which can be treated by lowering weight, modifying your cat's nutrition, and helping it manage stress. Fat cats, on the other hand, are approximately 5 times more prone than lean cats to acquire lameness. 

All of that extra weight can contribute to a variety of health problems. Fat tissue can cause chronic inflammation throughout the body, for example, which can lead to other disorders. All that adipose tissue in your cat's system is also releasing stress-inducing hormones. Even if your chubby catto appears to be in good health, it's ideal if it loses a few pounds before serious problems arise.

#20 So Two Years Ago The Vet Told Me Muffin Needed To Go On A Diet. Well Look At This Before And After Shot! I’m So Proud Of Her

#21 A Reformed Chonker

The most important reason to keep your cat slender is to ensure his or her lifetime. Obese pets live longer and have healthier lives. So if you don't overfeed your cat, you'll get to enjoy being ignored for a lot longer. It's also important to remember that reducing weight isn't the only goal; keeping it off is as well. 

When it comes to overfeeding, clinical nutrition professor Megan Shepherd of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine told NPR that many pet owners struggle with avoiding overfeeding their animals. 

“In a 'food is love' culture, it's easy to overfeed them,” Shepherd added.

#26 Mama Was A Stray Cat Who Found Us About 5 Years Ago. She Was A Very Overweight Cat. Even In Animals Diet Is Key

#27 “I’m Sorry Ladies, I Know Dere’s Less To Love But Don’t Worry, I Still Gots Sum Rolls Leftover In Dis Belleh”

#29 Cinderblock Has Been Training On The Underwater Treadmill Like A Champ

#30 From Heckin Hefty Chonk To Small Chonk. Proud Of Her Dechonkin’ Progress

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