Is your cat 'ddungnyang'? Cute chub might hide health concerns

With feline obesity emerging as a wider concern, Korea faces a particularly acute challenge, as chubby cats are celebrated as symbols of cuteness across social media and popular culture. gettyimagesbank

In Korea, many pet owners delight in ‘ddungnyangs’ — chubby cats whose round faces, waddling walks and overflowing charm fill social feeds and hearts alike.

But behind the fluff and the memes lies a growing concern. Feline obesity is emerging as a silent epidemic, not only affecting the cats themselves but also reflecting emotional and societal patterns that influence the life of owners, too.

Growing concern

Globally, between 30 to 60 percent of pet cats are estimated to be overweight or obese. In the U.S., a 2022 survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention reported that 61 percent of cats fell into this category.

Korea appears to be following a similar trend, especially in urban settings where pet cats live almost exclusively indoors. In high-rise apartments across Seoul, cats lead peaceful, well-fed lives — yet veterinary professionals warn that too much comfort may come at a cost.

“Over 50 percent of the cats we see are either overweight or obese,” said Cho Yoon-ju, research director of the VIP Animal Medical Center Seongbuk branch in Seoul during a phone interview with The Korea Times on Thursday. “But most owners don’t recognize it. They think their cat is just fluffy or naturally round.”

One common issue is visual misjudgment. “They rely on how the cat looks — a belly, thick fur — but that’s not enough,” she said. Veterinarians instead use the Body Condition Score, a tactile and visual method that assesses a cat’s fat levels and overall shape.

“Some cats may look normal, but during physical exams, we find dangerously high fat levels,” Cho added.

Frequent feeding of an overweight cat, often mistaken for affection, is a major contributor to feline obesity. gettyimagesbank

Overfeeding, misunderstanding and emotions

The primary cause of feline obesity is overfeeding, but it’s rarely deliberate.

“Most people don’t realize how much their cat actually needs,” Cho said. “Dry kibble is calorie-dense. A small bowl may look modest, but it could contain more energy than an indoor cat burns in a day.”

Free-feeding, where food is left out all day, adds to the problem. Cats naturally eat small, frequent meals, but in practice, many owners just keep the bowl full and refill it whenever it looks low. “It’s easy to lose track of how much they’re really eating,” she said.

Even those who try to follow feeding guidelines often misjudge. “We walk owners through calorie calculations and portion sizes,” Cho said. “They’re usually surprised at how small the recommended amount actually is.”

There's also a more emotional side to the issue.

“In single-person households especially, cats become emotional companions,” she added. “People come home after a long day, feel guilty for leaving their pet alone and give a snack instead of engaging in play.”

“Affection expressed through food may feel harmless at first, but over time, it builds a routine that silently contributes to weight gain.”

Some clinics are now offering basic nutrition counseling, and even psychological support for owners. “It’s not just about the cat’s weight. It’s about the relationship between the cat and the person,” she said. “When we guide them through portion sizes and daily calorie needs, many are genuinely surprised.”

She also emphasized the importance of shifting public perception.

“We laugh at fat cat memes and think ‘chonky’ is cute,” she says. “But we don’t talk enough about the health risks — diabetes, joint pain, shortened lifespan.”

Her advice is simple: Measure the food, schedule meals and swap some treats for active play. “Loving your cat doesn’t mean giving more snacks,” she said. “It means giving more attention — and sometimes, that’s what they really need.”

Excess weight in cats may conceal serious health risks, underscoring the need for more thoughtful and multifaceted care. gettyimagesbank

Need for holistic approach

“Because obesity in cats is often not obvious at first glance, many owners fail to recognize the problem. Many just see cuteness. But by the time they realize something’s wrong, their cat is already struggling.”

To help, the hospital provides visual aids to demonstrate healthy versus unhealthy body shapes and encourages routine weight management consultations.

The consequences are serious: Feline obesity can lead to diabetes, liver disease, joint problems and reduced lifespans. And unlike dogs, cats rarely show discomfort until their conditions are severe.

To address the issue more systematically, VIP Animal Medical Center operates a dedicated obesity clinic for companion animals, offering not just weight management, but holistic lifestyle support.

“The goal isn’t only to slim down the pet. It’s to improve the overall relationship between the animal and the owner.”

The clinic uses professional obesity scales, body fat assessments and structured weigh-ins to track progress, but the focus goes beyond numbers.

“We also look at the household’s daily routine — feeding patterns, playtime, even the owner’s lifestyle,” she added. “Often, changing the pet’s health means guiding the human, too.”

Cultural mirror: What feline obesity says about us

Feline obesity offers a revealing lens on modern culture. In a society shaped by fast-paced routines and growing digital dependency, food has increasingly become a substitute for affection both in human relationships and in interactions with pets.

On platforms like TikTok and Instagram, cats with exaggerated body shapes are celebrated as symbols of cuteness and humor. This aesthetic trend, amplified by pet food marketing and meme culture, has blurred the line between visual charm and medical concern.

“I used to think my cat looked cuter with a belly that jiggled when he walked,” said Kim Soo-min, a cat owner in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. “His nickname was ‘bread loaf,’ and I even bought him a hoodie that said ‘chonky but funky.’ But when the vet told me he was prediabetic, it stopped being funny.”

Emotional care toward companion animals is increasingly expressed through material indulgence, yet the line between affection and overfeeding has grown thin.

Kim Hye-won, a Seoul-based owner of a rescued cat named Evee, shared how social media shaped her perception of her cat’s weight. “Everywhere on Instagram and TikTok, chubby cats are celebrated as adorable and funny,” she said with a laugh.

“I thought giving Evee extra treats made her cuter and part of that trend. Playtime felt like enough exercise, so I didn’t worry much. But when the vet told me she needed to lose weight, it made me realize how much the ‘cute chubby cat’ culture had influenced me. I realized I’d overlooked her health for cuteness.”

This graphic shows a cat obesity measurement scale / Courtesy of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention

How to care for overweight cats at home

1. Assess body condition

Learn to check the Body Condition Score through both visual cues and touch. Routine veterinary checkups are essential for accurate monitoring.

2. Regulate food intake

Avoid free-feeding. Measure food based on age, weight and activity level. Be cautious with calorie-dense kibble and treats.

3. Incorporate active physical activity and play

Physical activity is as important as diet. Set aside daily, structured play sessions to encourage movement and mental stimulation. Interactive toys and games can mimic natural hunting behaviors, helping cats burn calories while reducing boredom.

4. Separate affection from feeding

Replace snack-based bonding with petting, play or grooming. Emotional connection doesn't require extra calories.

5. Track progress with professional support

Regular weigh-ins and vet visits help track improvements and help adjust routines as needed.

Behind the charm of overweight cats lies serious health concerns that call for both responsible care at home and structural efforts at the societal level. gettyimagesbank

However, not all solutions can — or should — fall solely on individual pet owners. At the societal level, there is a pressing need for stricter regulations on pet food marketing, shifting the focus from appearance-driven branding to genuine health benefits.

Public education campaigns must raise awareness about the unique health and activity needs of indoor cats.

Meanwhile, community-driven initiatives, such as cat wellness centers or interactive play hubs, can foster healthier habits for both cats and their humans.

Together, these efforts create a more supportive environment, helping tackle feline obesity as a shared responsibility.

Redefining love for cats

Korea’s rising feline obesity is more than a medical challenge. It reflects the changing nature of companionship in modern society.

Genuine love isn’t just in cuddles and snacks — it’s in every mindful meal, every toy and every moment we choose their health over our habits. After all, behind every ‘ddungnyang’ lies a life dependent on human care.

Kim Min-ji is a Korea Times intern.