Fat cats given diabetes warning

Posted : 08-08-2007

Pets that are overweight are a full three times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes, according to recent research by the University of Edinburgh.

Some one in 230 pet cats in the UK is now at high risk of becoming a diabetic because it is so overweight.

And the number of diabetic felines in the UK is now five times higher than it was when last surveyed in the 1970s.

Professor Danielle Gunn-Moore, from the Royal School of Veterinary Studies at the university, said: "The lifestyle of cats, just like their owners, is changing. They are tending to eat too much, gain weight, and take less exercise.

"Unfortunately, just like people, cats will overeat if they are offered too much tasty food, particularly if they are bored and have little else to do."

Many cats that are housebound do not have many activities to do all day and instead sit around eating, sleeping and gaining weight, added Professor Gunn-Moore.

In related news, recent research from Aberdeen University has found that obese people mating with each other is increasing the severity of Britain's fat epidemic.

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