Direct Line Pet Insurance can reveal millions of cats are at risk of life threatening illnesses as a result of being overfed and not doing enough physical activity. Over two fifths (42 per cent) of the nation’s cats are overweight. Direct Line Pet Insurance is urging responsible pet ownership as more than a quarter (26 per cent) of vets surveyed said that more than half of the cats they treat are now overweight.

Every other vet questioned (50 per cent) believes that the rise in so called ‘house cats’ who remain permanently indoors, have made a significant contribution to the surge in overweight cats.

A fifth of vets also highlighted stress and behavioural issues (20 per cent) as a condition more likely to be found in cats that refrain from going outdoors. This is expressed through anxiety-related problems such as urine marking or excessive scratching of furniture. 

Diabetes is the most common obesity-related illness in cats (87 per cent) with overfeeding (91 per cent) being the leading cause. Arthritis (36 per cent), urinary problems (18 per cent), joint issues (14 per cent) and heart disease (10 per cent) are other serious health concerns reported by vets as a result of cats being overweight.