Many changes are happening and many more are needed at the Cobb County Animal Control shelter, but for this week I decided to concentrate on the holiday season soon to begin.

Thanksgiving, a day for giving thanks and for celebration, is the perfect time to add a new family member. Perhaps one of these Pilgrim kitties would be welcome in your home this Thanksgiving Day…and everyday after that. 

If you would like to help make these animals stay at the shelter a bit more comfy, you can order a kitty bed for a donation of $15. These beds are made locally and with much love for the animals.

For a dog bed, donate a Kuranda bed. They can be purchased and donated to the shelter by ordering online. The beds will be sent directly to the shelter www.cherokeeanimals.petfinder.com.

To see more available animals at the shelter, see here.

My blog: A cat in a dog’s world

Friends of Shelter Cats - FB page

Vet Tip of the Week

Obesity in pets is one of the most common health problems seen by veterinarians.  In fact, almost 40% of pets in the United States are obese.  An overweight pet tends to live an average of 2.5 years less than those that are kept lean.  Joint problems, respiratory compromise, heart disease and increased anesthetic risk are also associated with being overweight.  Obese cats are prone to developing diabetes and are more prone to develop fatty liver, a life-threatening liver disease. Since we control what our pets eat, obesity is completely preventable. 

How do you know if your pet is overweight?  

• A dog or cat that is at an ideal weight has ribs that are easily felt when lightly running your hands along their chest.  If you have to apply pressure to feel ribs, your pet is overweight.
• An overweight pet will not have a readily visible waistline when viewed from above.
• A pet that is at an ideal weight, when viewed from the side, will have a belly more narrow than their chest. This gives the belly a tucked up appearance.

Links for illustrated body condition charts:

http://www.purina.com/dog/weight-and-exercise/bodycondition.aspx

http://www.purina.com/cat/weight-control/bodycondition.aspx

If you are unsure whether your pet is overweight, consult your veterinarian - some animals may have underlying diseases that can lead to obesity.

If your pet is found to be overweight, your veterinarian can help you design a diet plan specifically for them – on occasion pets need prescription weight-control diets to maintain a healthy weight. 

Finally, make sure your pets get plenty of exercise. For preventative measures, there is nothing like a good diet routine and plenty of exercise.