阅读理解
The owners are often blamed when pets put on a few pounds. But experts say that in many cases fat dogs and cats are emotional eaters (借食消愁). They also eat more than they need simply to deal with boredom or stress, research has found. That means, if they have gained weight, it could be because they have been through a traumatic(造成心灵创伤的)or an emotional event.
New studies have also suggested that putting an overweight cat or dog on a diet could make them unhappy. The study shows the obesity(肥胖)rate is as much as 25 percent in cats, and 45 percent in dogs.
The problem has been likened to that of Bridget Jones, the singleton(单身)who hides away from her troubled love life by eating, with vets(兽医)believing some pets use food to deal with sadness, according to The Sunday Telegraph.
Comfort eating in humans tends to involve high calorie foods which the individual chooses, including ice cream, and chocolate. But research shows animals are less fussy(挑剔的), and will go on a comfort binge(大吃大喝)even if the only food on offer is their usual dog or cat food.
He said emotional eating in pets, could be caused by feelings including boredom, anxiety and depression(抑郁).
But the research has also suggested overeating could also be a sign of enjoyable emotional state, as well as a bad mood.