Although it is nice to think our cats have nine lives, we don't have an unlimited amount of time with our furry best friends. The best we can do is extend and increase the quality of time with their only life with us. The extension of that life is through their health and well being. Obesity is the most common nutritional disease in cats.
The disease is prevalent as overfeeding is a common feeding mistake. Overfeeding is not intentional, but rather a side effect of their sedentary life. Previously in the wild, cats had a more active life and needed the additional calories to fuel their hunt. As they have transitioned into a life of lounging around the house, their caloric need should match up with their output. The caloric intake and output are not balanced and has lead to the rise in obesity in modern day cats.