"He never ate a lot. He just didn't get a lot of exercise," Sacco said. "He's just a larger-boned breed."
People know that childhood and adult obesity pose health and social problems. But on animals, well, come on, rub that soft belly! Look at that cute waddle! Give that cuddly muffin a treat!
Except that it's not so cute anymore. With 40 percent of animals over the age of 4 regarded as overweight, veterinarians say they are seeing more diabetes, joint problems and other health issues similar to those of their heavy humans. And they are calling on owners to step up to the plate, so to speak, and put their pets on a diet.
"There really is an obesity epidemic," said Christine Bohn, medical director of VCA Cat Hospital in Center City. "As a profession, we're recognizing it more and more, and it's preventable."
In the interests of full disclosure, Bohn admitted that both her cats, Simon and Stanley, are dieting. They had shed pounds chasing her laser pointer but gained it right back after Bohn went on vacation.
"My friend just put down food, and they ate as much as they wanted," she said, laughing. "They gained two pounds back - each."
Vets say pet fat is not totally the fault of people. More animals are spayed and neutered, slowing metabolism and increasing obesity. Animals tend to stay indoors more, particularly in urban areas. Apartments may be safer, but cats burn more calories climbing trees than couches.
Not everything can be blamed on environment, said Kathryn Michel, an associate professor of nutrition at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.
"The largest growth in the pet industry is the treat division," Michel said. "There didn't use to be cat treats."
Last year, she studied the success of the "CatKins" all-protein diet. It worked just as it does in people.
