Prevent Obesity, Prevent Disease

A fat cat, while cute to some (and the brunt of misplaced humor to others), can develop the same life-threatening diseases that obese humans do, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and liver disease, and may have a shortened life span.

The solution? Don't let sleeping cats lie, especially if they're plus-sized. Consult your vet to develop a plan that will help your cat safely and gradually lose weight. (Rapid weight loss can lead to hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver, which is often fatal.) Offer small meals at specific times rather than a bottomless bowl of kibble left out 24/7. And encourage playtime -- either with you or a younger cat or kitten -- to get your flabby feline up, moving, and burning calories!