Titan weighs a colossal 10kg - more than double his recommended weight.
A recent rise in the number of overweight cats being admitted is a cause for concern
Battersea has recently taken on its heaviest cat on record, marking a current peak in morbidly obese felines being admitted.
Housing an average of 250 cats across its three centres at any one time, Battersea is accustomed to a variety of shapes and sizes. However staff were surprised when nine-year-old black feline Titan came in, weighing over double the recommended weight for a domestic short-haired cat of his size.
SuiLi Weight, the team leader of Battersea’s Cattery said: “Titan has definitely been living up to his name in the past and enjoying the fat-cat lifestyle, but his new found title is not one to be proud of.
"We have been putting Titan through Battersea boot camp to help him shed a few pounds, including a special diet and encouraging him to exercise through lots of playtime…
"His hefty weight, though comical to some, is a real health problem and may put off potential owners who will have to work to help continue his weight loss.”
Battersea has taken in 16 cats in the overweight category over the past year. The quality of life for these cats is poor, as they struggle to move and play as a normal cat would. Battersea staff hope that this recent spate is not indicative of a growing trend for fat felines in the future.
SuiLi added: “It is understandable that people like to spoil their pets every once in a while, but we are not talking about the odd treat or two. Overweight cats like Titan...are obese due to over-feeding and under-exercising from owners who may not be aware they are doing anything wrong.”
Those with concerns about their cat are advised to seek veterianary advice to check its size and to discuss its recommended healthy weight.
Image courtesy of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home
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