Companion animal obesity is reaching epidemic proportions in developed countries. Cats, dogs, and small mammals are affected with serious consequences for health, mobility, and quality of life.
Companion animal obesity is a welfare crisis driven primarily by human behavior. Animals beg because they are motivated to seek food — their welfare needs for appropriate caloric intake are not self-evident to owners who interpret food acceptance as evidence that more is better. Obese animals experience chronic physical discomfort from excess body weight on joints, metabolic strain, and reduced capacity for natural movement and play. The most effective intervention is owner education combined with structured veterinary support for weight management.