We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it seems likely that your cat is leaving you.

A new survey of 1,000 cat owners by pet food manufacturer Lily's Kitchen has found that one in three cats are fed by others outside the home, and nearly two-thirds of pet parents (64 percent) said their cat theirs actively visits other people.

34 percent who say their pet stays outside all hours of the day and night and their outings last five or more hours each day.

If your cat is fed by others in the neighborhood as well as by you, your little friend may find themselves with a weight problem on their paws.

After all, it doesn't take much overeating to have an impact.

Indeed, one in six pet parents (14 per cent) have put their cat on a diet because they are being fed seconds and thirds by their neighbours, and 16 per cent believe their cat is overweight because their meals are supplemented by well-intentioned natives.

What's more, these rogue cats are sowing discord, with 17 per cent saying they've fallen out with neighbors over feeding their cats and 34 per cent saying taking their cats out for dinner was causing them real stress.

"If in doubt, talk to a veterinary professional about your cat's weight and the best way to reduce it if necessary."

/Telegraph/