Garfield, the iconic fat cat from the cartoon section, had a good life.
He was fed, given shelter, and had a friend to keep him company.
Then there's also his great sense of humor which worked in his favor.
But I have to wonder, did his weight problem make him grumpier? Human or feline, nobody likes to be overweight.
When we carry around more weight than is healthy, we tire easily and lose our zest for life.
This behavior may lead to an even more sedentary lifestyle which further exacerbates the problem.
Sure, Garfield was all fun and games - but how does your cat act? Is he as playful and loving as he once was? Part of his problematic attitude may be tied to his weight and general lack of exercise.
Through the centuries, cats have been active animals, always searching for a safe place to rest, hunting prey or protecting their territory.
Although modern cats have been domesticated, there are still intrinsic, genetic needs which must be met.
You don't want your pet to end up restless and unhappy like some of the caged animals in zoos, do you? I've found that cat towers, a type of cat furniture, can help alleviate some of the stress that builds up in cats when they don't have the space or environment to follow through with instinctual behaviors.
By nature, cat towers are generally tall and designed for a lot of physical activity.
Many models are suitable for multi-cat households, especially if you buy the type of cat towers which secure to the ceiling with pressure poles.
The pressure poles work a lot like shower stall tension rods.
Once you have your cat towers built, you may notice renewed interest in your cat for activities like leaping, climbing and clawing.
These are all great signs a happier, leaner cat will emerge soon!