Is it rude to call someone else's pet fat?

And is it stupid to be offended when your family continuously calls your cat fat?

He's a big cat. He has a belly, yes, but he has been on a diet for YEARS. My family knows this. So does my vet. He's very healthy.

I mean, you wouldn't call someone else's child fat - why is it okay to call someone's pet fat? I feel like it implies I'm doing something wrong.

Vent over.

ETA: Pics - I don't think he looks that fat!

Message edited 7/8/2011 9:44:19 AM.

Re: Is it rude to call someone else's pet fat?

If they know it bothers you and they still do it, that's pretty insensitive. There's healthy concern and then there's just meanness - it sounds like it's a joke to them.

I wouldn't be that rude about it or say it to a total stranger but I do notice. My sister talks to me about her dog's weight because he's the same breed as mine but the weight difference is noticeable when they're together. He's better lately but it's dangerous for him to be as overweight as he has been, especially at this age.

I think sometimes people think it's cute or funny for an animal to be fat, or don't really understand how detrimental it can be. If you're doing everything you can to control his weight, scr*w them.

Or, what if you traded insult for insult? Each time they call your cat fat, tell them they smell like ****?

Re: Is it rude to call someone else's pet fat?

Ya know, I've gotten annoyed over that, too! And besides, my dogs *aren't* fat... one is furry and the other has a big barrel chest b/c she's part pit.

But what got me really annoyed was when my friend's g/f called my dog Irwin "scruffy looking". The way she said it made me annoyed. He's not scruffy- he's a collie mix so he has long hair which we brush like it's our job. It's not my fault he gets things stuck in his crazy tail or that our other dog Lucy likes to nibble on his ears and he likes to let her. It definitely made me feel like I wasn't taking proper care of my dogs. But then again, she is a CRAZY animal person. Like if one of her cats sneezes, she's taking it to the vet in the stroller.

Re: Is it rude to call someone else's pet fat?

yes..i hate it. my cat is a big cat and his weight his perfectly normal for his size.. as per cat weight charts online and his vet.. and to top it off he's furry.. so when he scrunches up, he looks chubby.. my BIL has constantly made stupid remarks, and I have always say something back.. I even put him on a controlled diet and he was miserable.. poor thing, my cat is not fat..

Re: Is it rude to call someone else's pet fat?

On the other side, people tell me that Ginger is too skinny and I should feed her more. If anyone knows what a healthy weight is for my dogs, it's me. She's 85 pounds, and even my vet has told me it's good for her to be a *little* underweight because she's tall and Labs are prone to hip problems in later years.

You can't see her ribs, but you can see her waist. You're supposed to with American Labs. You can't really see Brinkley's because he has a double coat and is fuzzy. He's a healthy 70 pounds.

Re: Is it rude to call someone else's pet fat?

Okay I am glad I'm not crazy. We have had numerous consults with the vet, he gets NO table scraps, and special food, limited to 1/2 cup a day. He is also very furry and large overall, it's not all belly fat

Posted by jilliibabii
Like if one of her cats sneezes, she's taking it to the vet in the stroller.

Re: Is it rude to call someone else's pet fat?

yes. my dh used to call my cat "the walrus" and it made me so upset. she's since lost like 10lbs (she's so old) and now he comments about how frail she is.

Re: Is it rude to call someone else's pet fat?

Posted by headoverheels

Posted by jilliibabii
Like if one of her cats sneezes, she's taking it to the vet in the stroller.

This was an awesome mental image, thanks

Re: Is it rude to call someone else's pet fat?

I do get sad/upset when someone calls my dog fat, or a sausage.

We put her on a diet and exercise her a lot... I think shes just a little big boned.

Re: Is it rude to call someone else's pet fat?

Your kitty is so cute and he doesnt look fat at all

Re: Is it rude to call someone else's pet fat?

I think it's rude!

Just like telling someone's house is too small, too big, you must be having a girl, etc...

Re: Is it rude to call someone else's pet fat?

Your cat is adorable!!!! I could see being offended a bit.... but I don't know that I would say anything about it. I would try to just let in go one ear and out the other.

Re: Is it rude to call someone else's pet fat?

yes it's rude and yes i get offended. my SIL would say that EVERYTIME she saw my king charles, ava. it got to the point where i wanted to start saying it to her and see how she liked it

Re: Is it rude to call someone else's pet fat?

Yes!

Everyone says my cat is "THICK".

I think it hurts his feelings too.

We have been trying to exercise him more and cut down on treats but he is just a lover. He likes to sit in your lap and purr, which is not the best way to drop the lbs.

I think my cat is just a little stocky since he seems to have short legs.

I think your cat is perfect!

Re: Is it rude to call someone else's pet fat?

I take it very personally...

a couple of people call my one dog "fat" but she is fine and I additionally go through great pains to watch that they do not overeat...she has a lot of hair so thats maybe why they say it..

Re: Is it rude to call someone else's pet fat?

I don't care if someone calls my cats fat. But Bella cares.. I think she takes it personally...