Fat cat who tipped the scales at 22.4lbs sheds half his weight | News ...

A cat who became so fat he struggled to walk has lost half his bodyweight.

Casper ballooned to 22.4lbs, twice his recommended size, after being fed treats like chicken and roast potatoes.

Owner Christine Collins said at his heaviest Casper could not jump and had to be washed by hand as he was unable to lick himself clean.

She revealed that his eating habits were so out of control that the cat used to steal food from her pet Jack Russell terrier Timmi.

Last year Ms Collins, of Pilton in Edinburgh, decided to take action and put him on a special diet. Six months later and now the cat is half the size, weighing 13.8lbs.

Ms Collins, 54, said: "He couldn't jump on the sofa and he used to waddle when he walked. He used to eat everything, roast potatoes, chicken, and he even used to steal the dog food from my Jack Russell.

"He was so heavy I couldn't even pick him up. He was massive. I had to wash him because he couldn't reach past his stomach to clean himself. Now he's lost the weight, but I have to stay vigilant to keep him away from food which is difficult because now he can jump. But he's much happier."

Casper?s diet was drawn up by the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) Pet Fit Club in Edinburgh.

PDSA senior vet Andrew Hogg said: "Casper has made great progress over the last six months."Weight loss in cats has to be achieved very slowly and under close veterinary supervision as too rapid a weight-loss can be dangerous to their health. Christine and Casper have done incredibly well.

"Obesity is a growing problem amongst UK pets and we hope this will inspire others to make a positive change to their pets' lifestyles."

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Source: http://local.stv.tv/edinburgh/200773-fat-cat-who-tipped-the-scales-at-224lbs-sheds-half-his-weight/

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