A FAT cat has been put on a diet after tipping the scales at a whopping 11.5kgs – prompting a warning about overweight felines.
The animal, suitably named Mr Pickles, was found as a stray in the Balmedie area in Aberdeenshire, last month and has now been put on a carefully controlled diet.
The Scottish SPCA have been taking Mr Pickles on walks around the grounds of the rehoming centre in Drumoak, in a bid to shed the unwanted pounds.
Once he has slimmed down to the ideal weight, between 5-6kgs, staff at the centre will be looking to find him a new home.
The bid to make him a sleek kitty appears to be working as he has already lost over half a kilo.
Rehoming Centre Assistant Manager, Debbie Innes said: “Mr Pickles is possibly one of the biggest cats we have ever come across.
“His ideal weight is between 5-6 kgs. He has already lost over half a kilo so far but we have to take things slowly, otherwise this could cause serious health problems in itself and could even be fatal.
“Once he has shed a few pounds we’ll be able to carry out the relevant tests to determine whether he has developed any underlying conditions related to his obesity.
But the future looks bright for the furry feline.
“When Mr Pickles has reached a suitable weight, we’ll be looking to find him a loving owner who’ll be able to continue on with his diet and exercise plan,” Ms Innes added.
And now the charity has issued a warning to pet owners, urging them not to overfeed their cats.
Ms Innes went on to explain the difficulties that fat cats can face.
Shorter life expectancy
She said: “Sadly, cats diagnosed as being clinically obese can have a shorter life expectancy.
“They also have an increased risk of developing diabetes, liver problems, breathing difficulties and joint stress.
“Lack of exercise along with a dry food diet is one of the main reasons cats can become obese. Dry cat food is high in carbohydrates and cats will naturally store this as fat.
“It’s very important that owners keep their cats at a healthy weight.
“Anyone concerned that their pet may be overweight should consult their
vet.”
Although Mr Pickles is a naturally larger cat, his weight issues are down to being over fed.
But the future owners of this podgy pet will be getting a friendly cat, who likes nothing better than a belly rub.
Ms Innes added: “The only thing bigger than Mr Pickles is his personality. He is one of the friendliest cats anyone is likely to meet.
Undertaking a gentle weight loss
“He loves having his tummy tickled and will lie on his back with all four paws in the air for a good belly rub.
“Mr Pickles will remain in our care for quite some time, undertaking a gentle weight loss and exercise regime.”
A spokeswoman for the centre confirmed that they had been unsuccessful in tracing the moggy’s owner.
She said: “We’ve not been able to trace his owners, he’s not microchipped and wasn’t wearing a collar so I think, when he’s lost his weight, we will be trying to find him a new home that can help with his diet.”
