The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Feline Health Center has developed a free iOS app called Purrfect Weight that lets cat owners track the progress of a feeding program designed to promote weight loss in overweight cats. An app for Android phones is in the works.

Obesity is a common problem in many cats, and it can lead to several chronic health conditions and a shortened lifespan.

Overweight cats are more at risk for:

• Diabetes
• Arthritis and other joint problems
• Skin conditions caused by an inability to groom properly
• Early death (between 6 and 12 years)

Once you download the app, you can enter specific information for one or more cats and begin logging your cat’s weight and feeding information.

The app has a library of commercially available cat foods that allows for precise tracking of your cat’s caloric intake.  You can also track your cat’s body condition score using a visual aid.

For more information on the problem of feline obesity, check out our blog article HERE.