Fat Cat No More

Don't let them kid you, I'm just big-boned I have to put McDuff on a diet. And he's not going to like it. See, a report by Veterinary Pet Insurance is scaring me. It says obesity "shortens pets lives and dramatically increases health risks." On top of that, the report says, fat cats cost owners more in vet bills. A simple way to determine if your pet is overweight, VPI says, is to "feel its spine and chest. The backbone and ribs should be easy to distinguish and be void of fat." I did the test and couldn't find McDuff's ribs. All I did was annoy him and put my back out. In my svelte days McDuff wasn't always a Bubba. When we first got him, he was svelte, Egyptian-like, and so thin I thought he was a Whippet. Then, Bam, he discovered ice cream cake, and that was the end of his Kate Moss figure. A VPI big-wig, Dr. Carol McConnell, says "obesity begins with excessive kindness," and that "food is the primary way some pet owners demonstrate their love." Pshaw! If I open up four cans of cat food to see which one McDuff prefers, and then, later on, he decides he likes them all and licks the plates clean...I can't see the harm in that. Yummy! Ice cream cake! Anyway, McDonnell suggests consulting with your vet to customize a diet and exercise plan for your baby. I think I'll just buy McDuff a diamond collar two sizes too small and wave it in front of him. On the other hand, I could stand to loose a few pounds myself. So maybe we'll both just do Jenny Craig. Have a fat cat picture to share? Email it to photos@petside.com with "Fat Cat" as your subject line.