Colossal pet cat given up to Cats Protection
Chunky weighs more than double the healthy weight of an adult cat.
A six-year-old male cat has been given up by its owners, who were unable to help him to lose weight and no longer felt they could look after him.
Chunky (pictured) weighed a colossal 10.7kg when he was bought to Cats Protection’s Cornwall Adoption Centre in April.
The guideline weight for a healthy adult cat is between four and five kilos, meaning Chunky was more than double his ideal weight.
In this condition, Chunky was at significant risk of health problems such as diabetes and arthritis.
With the help of Cats Protection, however, he has begun a gradual weight loss plan. It is hoped the adoption centre will find Chunky a new home with owners who will be able to help him to continue his weight loss.
Mark Magee, manager of Cats Protection's Cornwall Adoption Centre, said: “[Chunky] has been making good progress and currently weighs 10kg. We are now looking to find him a home in the Cornwall area where his new owners will help Chunky towards his ideal target weight, with the centre on hand to provide advice.”
A Cats Protection survey, taken by 1,120 cat owners indicates that 23 per cent of cats are regarded to be overweight by their owners. The charity has provided the following simple steps for cat owners to help their pet to achieve a healthy weight:
- Seek advice from a vet
- Choose a reputable cat food, and stick to the manufacturer's recommended feeding amount
- Avoid feeding cheese, chocolate, crisps and other "human" food. A small amount of boiled fish or boneless chicken can be offered as an occasional special treat.
If you could offer Chunky, or any of the other cats at Cats Protection Cornwall Adoption Centre a new home, then please contact the centre by email or by calling 01872 870575.
Image courtesey of Cats Protection.
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
