Saturday, April 26

They're Not Fluffy, They're Fat!

In our family of two and four footed members, many of us are just, well, fat. And three of our four footed members are looking at some of the same complications of obesity as are TB and I.

Kosmo says: Hey, there's more of me to love!


Amber says: Don't call me fat! I'm floofy! Floofy, you hear me? Floofy, not fat!


Buddy: Ahyuk, Ahyuk, what's fat?


The other day, I got an article in my ArcaMax newsletter about Pets and Exercise. Here's what it says in part:

Just as it is with their owners, pets need exercise if they are going to stay healthy, active and live a long, quality life. Nowadays, many pets live in urban environments that can make adequate exercise a real challenge. ...

A great many ailments and conditions can arise from an inadequate amount of exercise, the most serious and widespread of which is obesity. ...

Obesity commonly arises from a number of factors. Many dogs are left alone, inside for long periods of time. Some cats spend all their time indoors. Many small pets don't have exercise wheels in their cages, or - in the case of birds - adequate space to fly about. All of these situations restrict movement and create a sedentary lifestyle. In addition, many pet owners don't take their animal's relative lack of activity into account when it comes to their pet's diet. As a result, many pets are fed far too many calories in relation to the amount of energy their inactive lives actually require.

The deleterious effects of obesity can vary, but all are serious. Primarily, obesity puts a great deal of stress on the body, exacerbating pre-existing conditions like heart disease, orthopedic disease, and some skin conditions. Obesity can also play a role in causing chronic diseases like diabetes.


Kosmo says: Okay, now you're scaring me! What can we do about this?


Larger animals should get at least 20 minutes of exercise, twice a day. Just like with their human counterparts, this should be vigorous work that emphasizes strength, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance. For a large dog, a traditional game of fetch can be great exercise, especially when combined with some good old fashioned tug-of-war between throws. Try using the My Good Dog Vibram Stick, for a new twist on this favorite, canine pastime. For a bigger cat, a similar game with a Cat Dancer Cat Charmer can provide great fun and aerobic activity.

Amber says: I'm tired already just thinking about it...what about us 'petite' cats, us floofy darlings?

If you own a smaller pet, you can arrange for adequate activity with less space. Many times intermittent game-playing can be adequate. Anything from friendly rough-housing with a small dog, to ball rolling can be a great way to keep your pet fit, and spend quality time together in the process. Add extra challenge by throwing a My Good Dog Vibram Ball into the fun. With smaller cats, a toy like the Cat Dancer Mouse in the House can provide lots of fun, fit play, even when you're not home to enjoy it together.


Well, time to get the feather teaser out!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Erik_Weinstein
http://EzineArticles.com/?Pets-and-Exercise---A-Great-Fit

More cat blogging? This weekend:

Weekend Cat Blogging will be hosted by A Byootaful LIfe

Bad Kitty Cats Festival of Chaos will be hosted by Pet's Garden Blog

Carnival of the Cats will be hosted by Diamond Emerald Eyes at House Panthers


And for all the latest, check out Blogging Cat Noos!

7 comments:

Gattina said...

I can't say that my cats are fat, but they are quite round, lol ! Arthur is a lot outside but he goes to the neighbors and plays the starving cat ! To put a cat on diet seems to me like moving a mountain !

Melanie said...

Oh my goodness- those are some fat cats ;)

http://livinwithme.com

Anonymous said...

Mom is a bit floofy, but she makes sure that we eat right and get plenty of exercise. She's not as good at making her diet & exercise healthy.

Cats~Goats~Quotes said...

We think all of you are beautiful!

~ The Bunch

Daisy said...

I love playing with my Cat Dancer! Even though I weigh only 6 pounds, I still have a hangy belly.

meemsnyc said...

I do not think any of you are fat at all!

sammawow said...

I guess that we all, cats included, could do some more exercising!

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