Dear Just Be: My family says my cat is overweight. Can pets have weight issues?

Sadly, they can. A recent study suggests that 40% of pets in the U.S. are overweight. It is important to maintain your pet’s weight at a healthy place because there are other, more serious, issues that come from being overweight such as, arthritis, back problems, breathing problems, etc. Here are some easy ways to assess if your pet is overweight.

1.) Can the ribs be felt with gentle pressure of the sides?
2.) Is there a "waist" - an indentation in the area between where the
ribs end and the hips begin (when looking down at the back)?
3.) Can the hip bones be touched with gentle pressure?
4.) Does your pet have trouble or is your pet slow to rise or move about?
5.) Does your pet seem reluctant to play, or tire easily with activity?

If you answer yes to two or more of these questions it is a good idea to see your vet to get a true assessment of your pets overall health.

For information or ideas on how to maintain or treat your pets weight visit:

Colorado State University
Camp Bowwow
About.com - Vet medicine