West Norfolk cat charity helps Colin fight the flab

Many of us might seek the help of a personal trainer to fight the flab, but what do you do if your pet has piled on the pounds?

Well, a West Norfolk animal charity has put one podgy puss on a special diet and exercise regime after he was found to be nearly double the size of a normal cat.

And officials at Cats Protection's Downham adoption centre, in Stow Bridge, say nine-year-old Colin will eventually need an owner who can continue the work they've started to shed the pounds.

Senior cat care assistant Becky Piggott said: “We’re looking for someone can take on the role of personal trainer to help Colin maintain his weight and fitness goals.

"He’s adorable but he’s a lazy boy who isn’t a fan of exercise.

"We’re not talking boot camp but Colin will need encouragement to do any exercise at all so we’re looking for an owner with time to commit."

When he arrived at the centre, after his previous owners moved house and were unable to take him with them, Colin weighed 8.8 kilograms - roughly twice the average weight of a typical adult cat.

The centre's team is initially trying to get that down to 6.5 kilograms through a portion-controlled diet and a play and exercise regime.

And, once they are satisfied with his progress, they will then start the process of looking for a new owner who can keep the progress going.

Becky said: “Colin’s previous owner said that he has always been a big cat, but I suspect that being at home more during lockdown meant that they were giving him extra treats.

"Colin loves his food a bit too much so he wasn’t going to say no. But if Colin can lose some weight and keep it off, he’ll lead a happier, healthier life.”

The charity says losing weight will reduce his risk of developing conditions such as diabetes, joint problems and heart failure, but will also mean he can undergo dental work requiring anaesthetic, which cannot be done safely until he has lost weight.

A survey of thousands of owners, conducted on behalf of Cats Protection last year, suggested there may be as many as 3.2 million overweight cats in the UK.

Sarah Elliott, Cats Protection's central welfare officer, said: “Our survey suggests that while most cat owners have a strong bond with their cat, they may be tempted to over-indulge their cat with food or treats.

“Owners may do this out of love or to make their feline feel like a family member. Sadly we are doing them more harm than good as overweight cats are at significant risk of diabetes, joint problems and urinary infections.”

Advice on how to help a cat lose weight can be found at www.cats.org.uk/obesity.