Animal Hospital of the Rockies

Fat Pets

"Top Ten Signs Your Cat Is Too Fat" by David Letterman:

10. Gets winded purring
9. Instead of trying to run from dogs, sits on them
8. The Maury people call every hour
7. Ears perk up whenever you mention Wendy's Free Fixin's Bar
6. He used 8 lives on heart attacks
5. Cat carrier is a Ford Escort
4. Richard Simmons' cat staged intervention
3. Can only wear cute sweaters from the Big and Tall Kitty Shop
2. Litter box so huge, it has a separate bathing section
1. Instead of "meow" he says, "mayo"

So you laugh, but obesity really is one of the biggest health problems facing pets today. As pet parents, we sometimes feel guilty when Fluffy doesn't get enough quality play or snuggle time, so we make up for it by offering food and treats. Not a good idea (deep down we know this), and recent research proves it.

Click here to read about a study by Purina that shows that a dog's median life span can be extended by 15 percent by feeding to ideal body condition through diet restriction.