Fat Cat Store
Dogs are not the only household pet that can have weight problems. I remember when I got my first kitten, a boy tabby; a friend gave me a poster of a really fat cat. I was appalled and swore, never I cried! I had no idea how fast he would grow, and grow, and grow… Martin was totally an indoor cat and before a year had gone by he had physically grown out of the kitty stage and began to just lie around as cats are prone to do. My “little” boy was now a “big” and I mean really big boy. Not quite the size of the poster but getting there. Alarmed I got him a companion who was not only company for him but an exercise buddy. Martin became an exceptionally handsome cat and I’m not just saying that from a mother’s point of view because visitors were always amazed by him. There is a down side to his bigness and that was diabetes. You see, big cats are prone to develop diabetes. Just like with humans we wound up having to give him insulin shots. After a while we got pretty good at it and he was a real sport about it. Martin’s life span was shortened but he had a big personality to match his size and he left a large mark on out lives.
It is a fact that about 50% of US cats are overweight. Fat cats may seem funny as in this video but it’s really not at all healthy. So how can you tell if your cat weighs too much? Just as with dogs, run your hands over their ribs. You should be able to feel them without applying pressure. With some long haired cats you may need to gently dig your fingers through the hair. Also take a visual assessment. Can you see their waist, is the tummy hanging down? Check their hips and shoulders, these are bony areas that you shouldn’t be feeling fat.
We love our cats and want to have them with us a long time. Proper nutrition and plenty of exercise will go a long way toward that. Be sure to check with your Veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns.
I am not sure what caused Martin’s weight issues but it sure gave me an acute awareness of what can happen if their weight is not kept in check.
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Photo by lizjones112’s Released under Creative Commons
October 12th, 2010 - 8:15 am
Omg, this thing is way too funny. I am going to share it.
October 29th, 2010 - 1:44 pm
my cousin runs a local pet store and i love looking at those cute puppies that he keeps on the store”~”
November 17th, 2010 - 2:21 pm
the pet store here in our area offers me a great deal of discount when i buy from them ~-*
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