Fat Pets Are Getting Fatter Thanks to Fathead Humans

Americans, by and large, are a bunch of fat, unhealthy bastards, and many of them (us?!) are also pet owners who lack the basic understanding that the diets of domesticated animals must be regimented. The most recent survey of veterinarians by the Association for the Prevention of Pet Obesity found that 45 percent of dogs and 58 percent of cats were overweight or obese; this represents a 2 percent increase in dog weight problems and a 5 percent increase for cats. But according to the website LiveScience, the trend may be tipping the other way: healthy pet food is a growth industry, and some pet owners are hiring personal trainers for themselves and their pets.

These photos illustrate the problem, which may seem funny at first glance, but pet obesity is no joke for animals who develop diabetes, respiratory disease, kidney disease, and other ailments. So after a vet told Texas dog owner Maribeth Ashley that her two dogs were at risk of developing hip dysplasia and heart problems, Ashley got a personal trainer to whip all three into shape. Now the three fatties "work through two-minute cardio blasts together," according to LiveScience. "Then Ashley drops to the ground for crunches and strength-training while Jennie and Pickles practice obeying 'sit' and 'stay.' " Sounds like it's time for a very special doggy episode of Thintervention? And it makes us wonder whatever happened to Prince Chunk, the fat cat who stole New Yorkers' hearts back in 2008.

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By John Del Signore in News on September 21, 2010 1:28 PM

Comments [rss]

MrCow

that is really sad. i am disgusted at the owners who let their pets get into such shapes.

Jen S

My cat is neurotic about his food bowl - if there's less than a handful in it at any given time, he'll meow until we figure out what he wants.

FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'

They made look cute unlike OBESE humans but this is a serious health issue. These people are fatheads

John L

This is stupid.

thelexiphane

Pets that get fat do so because of a fundamental weakness of character. If they really wanted to be fit they'd move their asses off that patch of sun and join a gym.

Spirit of 76

I know a woman with a cat as big as that first one. I suggested we use a tape measure and find out what his waist size was. It came out 24 inches. That cat had a waist the same size as a supermodel.

rdayk

Many cats can self-regulate their food intake, so people tend to just fill up their bowls and let them eat as much as they want. But some cats will overeat. Few people do this with dogs, because many dogs would eat themselves to death. So people tend to measure the dog food and serve it at scheduled feedings. Also, cats sleep up to 18 hours a day and that's their normal habit, so they just don't burn as many calories as dogs do. Obese cats like in the photos really need to have their calories restricted or else they will become very ill and won't live out their full lives.

camera_club

cats and dogs usually don't get that obese unless they have some sort of disorder like thyroid disease or gastrointestinal problems. That doesn't mean their owners aren't enabling their weight gain but some poor animals can't help it

nicemarmot

My dog really really wants to be fat. I think she would be the happiest little porker in the world. However at 2/3 cup kibble with a bit of meat and veg a day it ain't gonna happen.

handsomedevil

It's shockingly simple to control your pets diet if they eat the same thing every damn day. Use a measuring cup.

Guest

For once, I agree with you.

exnyer

Lets do a Government study to find out the real cause.

Såkandulæredet

Why does this seem to happen to cats much more than dogs? Any animal people know?

ennuipoet

Yup, cats are more sedentary in nature and people are more prone to just fill the bowl and wait until the cat empties it. Also, most dogs get exercise via walks while most cats get exercise via following the sunny spot for naps.