Avoiding the Garfield Syndrome - Signs Your Cat May Be Overweight

You know the look - a slight tremble in the whiskers, that quick slip of tongue darting out, and wide eyes watching the path from plate to mouth following every bite you take. It's your cat's way of saying, "If you really love me, you'll give me a bite." And they know it works.

Which is why many pets are falling prey to the same increasing waistline trends as their owners. The BBC reports roughly half of the United Kingdom's cat populations are overweight, while felines in the United States are rapidly catching up. Dr. Carla Sanderson of Atlanta Veterinary Specialists said over one-third of U.S. pets are now overweight. Owners who allow obesity in cats are putting their pets at risk for the same health problems overweight humans face: diabetes, heart disease, joint problems, kidney failure, respiratory failures and arthritis.

Sanderson, an Atlanta-area veterinarian for over 10 years and proud owner of a healthy tabby, said pet parents should keep an eye on their cat's weight with the same consciousness they follow their own. As a general rule, if you have trouble feeling your cat's ribs when pressing gently along his sides your cat may be over weight.

"Check with your local vet to be sure of the ideal weight," Sanderson said. "Just like with humans, your cat's ideal weight will vary based on breeds and frame sizes." Once you know your cat's target weight, be sure your furry friend doesn't get more than 15 percent above it. The simplest method to weigh your cat can be done with your own scale. First, weigh yourself. Then, weigh yourself holding your cat. Subtract your weight from the second number and you have your cat's weight.

"Saggy bellies and spare tires may be cute on cartoon cats, but they're a dangerous sign off obesity in real cats," Sanderson said. "Also, take notice of subtle behavior changes over time. If your cat begins to have trouble breathing or lacks energy, she may be struggling with being overweight."

Sanderson also recommends limiting treats. Remember, a few bites of leftover casserole or a small dish of milk for cats are equal to a few Quarter Pounders for humans. Likewise, an extra pound of weight on a 10-pound cat is like 40 extra pounds on a small-framed woman. If you can't help giving in to the occasional treat, cut back on that day's meal to balance out the calories.

Schedule your kitty to a set mealtime with portion control instead of allowing her to eat from a perpetually full food dish. As a rule of thumb, cats should get one-half cup of dry food twice a day, but ask your vet for recommended food portions specifically for your pet.

Finally, exercise is essential to a healthy pet, especially the house cat, which can spend more than 16 hours a day sleeping. Take time to play with your cat, an activity that ensures they get enough exercise and also strengthens the bond between cat and pet parent.