Everywhere you turn there are constant reminders of America’s obesity epidemic. From subway posters telling us to swap soda for water to news stories reminding us fat we’re all getting, obesity is on everyone’s mind. The one thing that isn’t on everyone’s mind is how the obesity epidemic is affecting the smallest members of our families … our pets.

Recently a 2-year-old orange and white tabby named Meow had to be taken from its 87-year-old owner and placed in foster care and placed on a diet after it was found that the cat weighed a whopping 40 pounds!

Adult cats typically weigh between seven and twelve pounds and officials weren’t sure how Meow gained all that weight in just two years, but one thing is for sure, the cat has been placed on a special diet so he can start shedding some pounds. Many of us who own pets treat them like family and when it comes to food we often allow them to eat what we eat.

The problem is we’re not eating all that healthy. If we’re going to get serious about our health and that of our loved ones, then that seriousness needs to trickle down to our pets as well.

If you have a pet member of your family make sure you give them as much exercise as you would yourself. Take them out for walks and play with them as often as possible. Also, make sure that you feed them a balanced diet appropriate for their age and not just your leftovers. Getting fit should be a family affair … and that includes pets!