Charity helps overindulged homeless cat on way to healthier life

A pampered moggy who is nearly twice the weight of an average cat has embarked on a weight loss journey to help relieve her painful joints, and is now looking for a new home.

Buttons arrived in the care of the Cats Protection Northern Ireland Branch from the North Antrim and Glens area after her owner sadly passed away, having lived with them since she was a kitten. She was a much-loved cat but this was often expressed through copious amounts of treats, which saw her pile on the weight.

At 13 years old, she is suffering from arthritis which has been exacerbated by her immense weight. She initially weighed in at 7.35kg, while the average weight of a cat is 4kg.

Adoption Team Leader Jodie Burnside said: “When Buttons first arrived, her back had to be shaved as she was so large she couldn't groom herself properly. 

“Buttons is living with one of our fantastic volunteer fosterers. Initially, she barely moved or if she did it was a more of a hobble, probably because of arthritic pain. Once she was started on arthritis medication she became more mobile and began to have fun again. She uses a ramp to help her get up to bed and on the sofa, and she is now very much a lap cat.”

A combination of dedicated playtime with enrichment toys and a reduction in her food intake has already seen her lose 5% of her body mass.

Jodie added: “Buttons is unfortunately a textbook case of why we can’t indulge our cats with too many treats, no matter how much they beg. The health implications of being overweight can have such a detrimental effect on their lives.”

Buttons has shown a great improvement since being with Cats Protection and needs a new owner who is committed to sticking with the weight loss diet. To enquire about adopting Buttons visit: www.cats.org.uk/ni