Why Overweight is Unhealthy
As pet owners sometimes we overfeed our pets because we substitute the time we want to spend with our animals with food. Or, we can’t resist those big loving eyes peering at us at the dinner table and we feed them table scraps.
In our busy lifestyles today, our pets are kept kenneled, crated or locked in the house for most of the day. We feel guilty that we don’t have more time to spend with them, and in return try to shower our furry friends with “love”. But overfeeding is not a substitute for exercise and can have many unhealthy side effects.
Obese animals can have a number of weight related illnesses: extra stress on the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and other body organs can cause a myriad of problems now and later in their lives. Our overweight pets are more likely to suffer from cardiac disease, respiratory problems, digestive disorders and high blood pressure. Their joints, ligaments, tendons and bones also suffer from excess wear and tear, just like human’s do. They are more prone to endure arthritis, joint injuries, leg problems and back injuries. They are also at greater risk during surgery and under anesthesia. They can also develop skin diseases, diabetes, Cushing’s disease, pancreatitis, and liver disease. Cats can also develop feline hepatic lipidosis.
Next time you are tempted to throw your companion animal table scraps or give them an extra helping of “love” when they beg, go outside and play instead. They will live longer, more comfortable lives if you do. Cat Caskets are a nice way to properly intern you lost feline.