Mini Moo

Introducing Mini Moo

Mega moggy Mini Moo, from Basildon, is undergoing a complete diet overhaul thanks to the vets and nurses at Basildon PDSA PetAid hospital, The Coco Markus Centre, who are overseeing a specially tailored weight loss programme for the morbidly obese cat.

Weight story

The weight problems started three years ago after Mini Moo’s owner, Sharon Dowman, became seriously ill and needed lots of rest, so the podgy puss happily lounges around all day on the sofa, keeping her company. Sharon, who’s had Moo from a kitten, said: “Moo’s weight problems started when I was diagnosed with lupus, an immune system illness, a few years ago. The illness means I need to rest and while Moo is fantastic company, lying on the sofa with me and giving me cuddles, unfortunately it has led to her gaining an enormous amount of weight. I have two other cats that are a healthy shape, but Moo’s size has got out of control.”

The Ideal Size for Mini Moo

Bad Habits

Mini Moo will eat anything she can get her paws on, from Wotsits to cheese and even butter!

And she regularly steals the other cats’ food, making it difficult for Sharon to judge just how much food the colossal cat is putting away!

Half way update

Mega moggy, Mini Moo, wasn’t too impressed with her new diet and exercise regime, and she still has a long way to go to reach her target weight but she is making steady progress.

The portly puss is more active now, going out in the garden more and running up and down the stairs for fun! However, she is a lot more vocal now than she used to be, and will meow for food.

Her owner Sharon said: “She was grumpy to start with, and while I’ve got to grips with the new feeding regime, Moo hasn’t! However I don’t give in to her crying for food, as I know she is having a healthy amount to eat. She tries to steal food from my other cats, but they are fed on the table so she struggles to get her paws on it – but I have caught her eating the bread I put out for the birds.

“Since she’s lost weight, she can now get up on the kitchen worktops which I hadn’t realised. Once she managed to steal a sausage that was cooling down on the side! She has lost weight though and she likes the diet food so we’re getting there.”

The Final Weigh In

Stats

Starting weight: 9.7kg

% overweight: 94%

Ideal weight: 5kg

Finishing weight: 8.15kg

Total weight lost: 1.55kg (16%)

Waist decreased: 13cm

Mini Moo has lost 16% of her bodyweight by taking part in Pet Fit Club, and has shrunk her waistline by an amazing 13cm!

Owner Sharon said: “Mini Moo is so much happier now, she loves going out in the garden now and is a lot more active, plus she’s more feisty. It has been a bit of a battle of wills as she steals food at any opportunity and she continues to beg, but I’ve changed my mindset now and I give her alternative treats like catnip, or playtime, as I never want her to get that big again.

“The veterinary expertise we’ve had from PDSA has been wonderful – I know exactly how much she should be eating rather than just guessing, and the diet food has really helped. Knowing she’ll be weighed every month is an added incentive too! We’ll be continuing with the diet until Mini Moo reaches her ideal weight, as I want to make sure she stays healthy and lives longer.

“My advice to other owners would be not to give into the begging – it’s better to keep your cat healthy than to kill them with kindness. Pet Fit Club has been great as nobody judges you, and it feels really good to know that I have helped to improve Mini Moo’s life, as well as to raise awareness of the issue of pet obesity.”

PDSA Vet Advice

Sean Wensley, PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, said: “Excess pounds can contribute to a number of serious health conditions and, sadly, it does reduce life expectancy. But the good news is that it’s never too late to make positive changes to a pet’s diet and lifestyle.”

PDSA advises that owners always consult their own vet for cat diet and pet exercise advice. Why not visit our pet health video pages for further information too.