Dry food 'creates fat cats'

The SPCA agrees overindulgence in popular dry cat biscuits may be to blame for fuller feline figures.

Massey University research suggests the ease and convenience of dry cat biscuits heightens the risk of overfeeding. The research reveals that just like people, cats will overeat if they are given the chance.

SPCA Spokesman Bob Kerridge says cats eat less and feel full more quickly after eating canned food because it contains more water. He says although the research is not ground-breaking, it reinforces the need to feed your pet a healthy and well-balanced diet. He says supermarket shelves are choc-full of cheap versions of dry cat food which do not do them any good.

However he says not all dry cat food is bad. Mr Kerridge says there are many premium dry foods which can help your cat lose weight.

The study also revealed obesity levels in companion animals frequently mirrors that of their owners.

- NEWSTALK ZB