RSPCA highlights pet obesity problem

A Devon cat arrived into its care weighing more than 6kg

The RSPCA is urging owners to watch what their pets eat, after taking in a number of pets whose weight had ballooned dangerously.

The animal welfare charity is raising awareness of the problem after caring for a number of obese animals who arrived into its care dangerously overweight. Like Poppy (pictured) who arrived at RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter, in Devon, weighing more than 6kg.

She was quickly dubbed ‘Porky Poppy’ when she was taken in by the RSPCA in Exeter after her owner died in April. 

Little Valley acting deputy manager Anna James said: “Poppy was very overweight when she arrived, weighing in at more than 6kg! We immediately put her onto a special obesity diet and she lost a kilo over a few months. She still looks fairly big as she has a lot of excess skin but she still has some weight to lose. Ideally we’d like her to be around 4kg.

“She’s a lovely cat and, as she lost the weight, she became much more relaxed and friendly, probably because she felt more and more comfortable.”

Poppy has now been rehomed by a family in Yateley, Hampshire

RSPCA pet welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines said: “Pet obesity is a serious welfare issue affecting a large proportion of our pets today. Recent studies have suggested that around half of all pet dogs are overweight and this can cause serious health and welfare issues for them such as heart disease and diabetes.

“Obesity can affect all types of pets and the main cause is from eating too much or not exercising enough. As a rough guide for dogs and cats - you should be able to see and feel the outline of their ribs without excess fat covering them. Other tips are that you should be able to see and feel their waist and it should be clearly visible when viewed from above. Anyone who is concerned about their pet’s weight should speak to their vet for advice."