Did you know that obesity affects more than 50 percent of America's cat population? If your cat is overweight, she can develop all kinds of health problems such as painful arthritis, heart disease, breathing difficulty, diabetes and even bladder cancer. For your cat, the excess weight and the resulting health problems can mean less play time and depression.

What causes weight gain?

Weight gain is the result of an increase in body fat. This is usually caused by eating too much, especially when combined with lack of exercise. But there can be other contributing factors too.

Age: Older cats are less active, have less energy, and require fewer calories. They are prone to weight gain.

Breed: Some cat breeds are more likely to gain weight. This is most typical though in mixed breed cats.

Gender: Female cats are more likely to become overweight.

Neutering/ spaying: Clinical studies have shown that the basic metabolism of neutered cats is lower. Neutered cats actually require fewer calories. Spayed or neutered cats are twice as likely to become obese due to a more sedentary lifestyle. (There are many important health reasons to have your pet spayed or neutered - just remember to monitor your cat's weight.)

Medical Problems: Very occasionally weight gain is associated with a medical disorder that may require specific treatment

Overfeeding: Cats with unlimited access to food understandably eat more than they need.

Overeating: Many commercial foods are loaded with salt and fat. This improves taste, which means your cat will want to gorge.

Feeding habits: Feeding table scraps and "people food" can lead to obesity.

Lack of exercise: Too much food and too little exercise produces a typical result: obesity.

IMPORTANT: Even if your cat does not show signs of being overweight, it is important to have regular weight checks at the veterinarian's to make sure her ideal weight is maintained.

Is my cat overweight?

All cats have an ideal weight for their size ,and breed. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you what this is, and show you how to check that your cat is maintaining a healthy weight. Between checkups, place your hands on her side - are her ribs hard to feel or even impossible to feel? If so, she is likely overweight. You can also track your cat's weight at home between checks at your veterinarian. Just hold your cat and step on the scales, then you would subtract your weight, resulting in just your cat's weight.

If your cat is overweight, you may notice some of the following signs:

• Ribs cannot easily be felt when running your hand along your cat's side
• Loss of an obvious waist
• Collar needs loosening
• Difficulty in walking
• Slow movement
• Shortness of breath
• Bad temper
• Sleeping more than usual