The issue of human obesity is the focus of many people thanks to all of the media campaigns and advertisements that constantly warn of the dangers of being overweight. Obesity can lead to diabetes, heart attacks and a myriad of other problems. A healthy diet and regular exercise will combat the problem and bring a person's risk of disease down appreciably.



The same principle applies to pets. It may seem cute to see an overweight cat waddle by or a pudgy dog breathing hard just when it walks into a room. Their obesity is just as dangerous to them as it is to humans. Dogs and cats can both get diabetes and heart disease so it's important to make sure that they eat a healthy diet and receive plenty of exercise.

One of the causes for animals to become overweight is due to them being fed table food along with their regular pet food. It's hard to say no to an animal that approaches you with big pleading eyes, begging for some of your steak or pizza and it may seem harmless to give them some just so that they won't look so sad. Another mistake that people make in this regard is to scoop up the leftovers after a meal and give them to the animal. This can easily contribute not only to the pet's obesity but other health problems as well.

Pet food contains all of the nutrients that an animal needs but human food does not and can also cause digestive problems with an animal. Some people think its ok to give their dogs lots of bones but these bones can chip off and stick in the intestines of the dogs, especially hollow bones such as chicken bones.

Lack of exercise is another problem for pets especially if they are inside pets. Animals that have a yard to run around in are able to get lots of exercise as they explore their territory. Inside pets don't have this privilege but that can be remedied by taking them for long walks and allowing them to run around in a park that allows animals to be unleashed.

Cats are exceptionally lazy creatures that prefer a good nap to actually getting exercise. This is especially true for inside cats. However, you can provide your cat with exercise by buying one of the many toys that are designed with cat exercise in mind.

Many of these toys have a string with a fake mouse or a feather attached to it. You can dangle it in front of the cat to get its attention and they will invariably start to swipe at it with their paws. Drag it around the floor and they will give chase as though it were a real animal. Do this regularly and soon your cat will be the slim and healthy animal it was meant to be.