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December 13, 2021 by Dr. Sigrun Hackl
So my cat weighs over 8kg, and while he is a long legged, large framed Arabian Mau and distributes it quite well, he should probably weigh a little bit less. But he also knows all the triggers and tricks when it comes to food.
When I come home after a long day at work and know he has been lonely all day and he meets me with a complaining ‘mrrowww’ – ‘OK, have some goodies for compensation.’
At least it soothes the guilty feeling of leaving him alone all day. But does it really? Wouldn’t it be better to spend the time cuddling or playing with him, since it is TIME he didn’t get, while food was there for him all day?
Next I get up to get something to eat or drink for myself, and he faithfully follows me to the kitchen, sitting in front of the goody cupboard with another lamenting look and whine, clearly knowing how to play his human. And more often than not, I give in. It is too easy to ‘make him happy’, and it has become a habit we both follow.
But does it really ‘make him happy’?
Looking at the medical side of things, no way, in fact, quite the opposite.
Overweight animals have a much higher risk of orthopaedic issues, such as joint problems, arthritis, or back pain. They are also at a higher risk of heart disease.
In cats, 30% of obese cats will develop diabetes. That means one in three cats will end up needing injections for the rest of his / her life! Every day!
A study in dogs has shown that 50% of chronically lame dogs were FREE of lameness after reducing their body weight to the ideal weight, the only remedy being weight reduction, no other treatment. So fat = pain!
So, when you think about it from this angle, that little treat really becomes a fake friend. A brief moment of pleasure that leads to severe long term problems, unhappiness and pain.
And let’s be honest. Are they really asking for a TREAT? Are they not just asking for attention, interaction, and our TIME?
Another study showed that cats will frequently choose human interaction over food! They valued the time, play and cuddles more than the treats they were offered!
So next time, before we fall into that pattern of old habits, what if we change the approach? What if we grab the toy or the leash instead of the treats? What if we interact, cuddle, play, exercise together? Wouldn’t it make all of us much happier, not just short term, but in the long run?
If you are not sure about the weight of your pet, ask us on your next visit. But please, don’t be offended when you hear the reply. It is hard for us to give you an honest evaluation if we have to fear that you will take comments about healthy weight personally and get upset. We are only trying to offer advice in the best interest of your pet. And isn’t that what you want, too?
So next time, before we fall into that pattern of old habits, what if we change the approach? What if we grab the toy or the leash instead of the treats? What if we interact, cuddle, play, exercise together? Wouldn’t it make all of us much happier, not just short term, but in the long run?
If you are not sure about the weight of your pet, ask us on your next visit. But please, don’t be offended when you hear the reply. It is hard for us to give you an honest evaluation if we have to fear that you will take comments about healthy weight personally and get upset. We are only trying to offer advice in the best interest of your pet. And isn’t that what you want too?
Veterinary Surgeon
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Green Community – Dubai, UAE
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Blue Oasis Veterinary Clinic
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