Fat cats and dogs compete to become the UK’s ‘biggest loser’ and take on the ultimate pet weight-loss challenge

Fat cats and dogs

Cilla and Shyla need to lose 24.6kg between them. Photo: PSDA website

Sadly, overweight pets are a big problem in the UK and other western countries including Australia.

Vet charity PDSA unveils the heavy hounds, colossal cats and bulging bunnies taking on the ultimate pet weight-loss challenge.

This year’s 12 pets – who together weigh a staggering 266kg – have been selected to compete in the UK’s foremost pet slimming competition.

Fat cats and dogs finalists include:

  • Curvy Cilla is from Liverpool. She weighs in at nearly 54.4kg. Her canine companion, supersized Shyla, tips the scales at a hefty 50.2kg. Their owner used to give the portly pooches treats including crumpets, pasta, and biscuits. Together they need to lose nearly 24.6kg.
  • The heaviest cat in the competition is Lucy who ate and slept her way to a colossal 8.8kg – around 120% overweight – after her owner mistakenly believed she was pregnant and fed her double portions!

      Fat cats and dogs compete to become UK's 'biggest loser'

      Puff is 7.5kg around 50% over weight.

  • Tipping the scales at nearly a stone, is seven-year-old Chihuahua Tyty whose weight-gain has been caused by his thieving ways. He may be smaller than most dogs but is a big-time bully when it comes to food. He takes the lion’s share from his canine housemates even stealing potentially deadly treats like chocolate bars from his owner.
  • Supersized kitty, Puff, from Sheffield now tips the scales at 7.5kg, making her around 50% overweight. With the help of her owner she has already lost 2.3kg since being rehomed last year.

Meet the fat finalists:

It is estimated that around one-third of UK dogs and a quarter of cats are now overweight or obese according to The PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report. The cause of our pets’ expanding waistlines is no mystery. Owners have also admitted to ‘treating’ their pets by giving them fatty, sugary and, in some cases dangerous, foods including cake, chocolate (despite being poisonous), biscuits, crisps, chips, and even takeaways.
Nicola Martin, PDSA Head of Pet Health and Welfare, said: “Pet obesity is a serious issue affecting millions of UK pets. Like humans, pets carrying excess weight risk developing serious health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis and heart disease. It can even shorten their lives.
“Too many pets are being fed unsuitable diets and not receiving enough exercise. So it’s vital we educate owners on how to keep their pets fit and healthy before the problem gets even worse. If owners are unsure what to feed their pets, or are concerned about their weight, they should always seek advice from their vet.
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