Fat cats result in fat bills, says pet insurance firm

Posted : 17-08-2007

Cats and dogs which have become a bit tubby could end up costing large amounts in medical bills, a US pet insurance company has claimed.

Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) announced it had seen claims for obesity-related treatment reach $14 million (£7.04 million) last year and suggested that owners start to take their pets' weight more seriously.

The company said that extra weight on a cat or dog requires it to work harder, increasing the risk of ruptured ligaments and arthritis, in addition to diseases such as diabetes and asthma.

"Pet owners may think a few extra pounds is acceptable for their pet, but no one finds extra veterinary bills very appealing," said VPI's chief veterinary officer and vice president Dr Carol McConnell.

"Obesity in pets should be taken seriously by all pet owners," she added.

In related news, a recent study by the University of Edinburgh found that one in 230 chunky cats in the UK was at high risk of becoming diabetic.


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