- By Bornika Das
- Fri, 20 Jun 2025 05:56 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The number of overweight cats and dogs is steadily climbing, and veterinarians are sounding the alarm. Obesity in cats and dogs is now one of the most common health issues affecting companion animals, with an estimated 60% of cats and 56% of dogs in the U.S. classified as overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Obese pets face increased risks of diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and even certain cancers. Lately, there is a sudden growth in the adoption of pets in India.
According to a 2024 report published by consulting firm Redseer, there has been a sharp uptick in the number of pets in Indian households. From around 26 million in 2019, the figures have reached 32 million in 2024. There can be many reasons for this — a growing need for companionship among migrating white-collar labour, late marriages, nuclear families, mental health awareness, a rise in people choosing to stay kid-free or unmarried. Clearly, more and more people are willing to care for four-legged companions and give them a cushy life.
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In the name of love, people are mostly overfeeding their cats and dogs and the major problem lies there. Overfeeding, lack of exercise, and uninformed pet owners led to obesity in pets. Many well-meaning people equate food with love, unaware that table scraps and oversized portions are slowly harming their pets. Additionally, with many pets living indoors and confined to small spaces, exercise is often limited or nonexistent. It is massively contributing to our furry companions’ diminishing lifespan. Additionally, portion control and calorie counting also become issues, with many pet parents missing out on accounting for treats when making daily intake calculations, contributing to the spike in weight.
Obesity In Cats And Dogs On Rise (Image Credits: Canva)
How To Prevent Obesity In Cats And Dogs?
There is hope. Growing awareness is pushing change. Pet food companies are creating healthier, portion-controlled options. Veterinary clinics are offering weight management programs, and pet fitness trackers are gaining popularity. The key lies in education and action. By learning to recognise a healthy weight, adjusting diets, and incorporating more playtime, pet owners can reverse the trend. The future doesn’t have to be bleak—just a bit more mindful.
The industry is also responding to the call for healthier pet food, with numerous new brands joining the movement to ensure a better future for pets. BLEP is one such clean-label pet wellness brand that makes 100% natural, human-grade food for cats and dogs. Launched in January 2023, it has taken up the fight against kibble, with its offerings containing zero preservatives, sugars, or artificial additives.
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Additionally, BLEP has started a nationwide digital initiative called #NeverAgain in order to raise awareness about the alarming issue of obesity in cats and dogs. The campaign aims to raise awareness around common mistakes unknowingly made by dog/cat parents when it comes to feeding and nutrition.