Fat cat numbers get bigger

PET obesity is on the rise with 33 per cent of the nation’s cats and 41 per cent of dogs either overweight or obese according to RSPCA statistics.
Star reported last year that Noble Park veterinarians were concerned about an increase in pet obesity.
The RSPCA is combating the rise by enlisting celebrity pet trainer Steve Austin to urge people to keep their animals fit and healthy.
“With 41 per cent of Australian adults over the age of 25 suffering from obesity caused by poor diet and lack of exercise, these statistics suggest that unhealthy human lifestyles are having a detrimental effect on our pets, with pets fast following in their owners’ footsteps,” Mr Austin said this week.
As with humans, obesity in pets causes a number of medical complaints including osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, liver disease and heart disease.
Cats are particularly at risk of arthritis and diabetes as a result of obesity. Part of the problem is that many cats are housebound with little opportunity for exercise.
“Cats are no longer roaming and hunting as in the past, but are often contained indoors, so it is easy for them to gain weight.
“A fat cat is also susceptible to injury as it cannot move gracefully,” Mr Austin said.
The RSPCA has recommended people keep their animals active not only by walking them, but buying play toys, and keeping them on strict diets which do not include foods normally eaten by humans.
Mr Austin recommended high protein snacks for dogs such as cured chicken livers or breasts as a treat and to reward good behaviour.