A crisps and cheese-loving Basildon cat - which weighs nearly 10kg - is taking on a diet challenge to get her back in shape.
Mega moggy, Mini Moo, from Vange, has been picked to take part in a national pet slimming competition - Pet Fit Club - a six month diet and fitness challenge run by veterinary charity, PDSA.
Following a nationwide search the "not-so-Mini" Moo, was entered into the competition by her owner Sharon Dowman, after the portly puss ballooned to a hefty and morbidly obese 9.7kg.
That makes her 94% overweight - nearly double the weight a healthy cat of her size should be.
But Mini Moo's lifestyle is now undergoing a complete 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 overweight cat.
Veterinary Nurse, Rachel Scott, said: "Mini Moo has been classed as morbidly obese, which can have very serious consequences on her health and expected lifespan.
"Overweight pets have a lower quality of life, are at risk of health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis, and are likely to die sooner. But the situation can be improved by following a diet and exercise regime, although cats need to be closely monitored as they should not lose weight too quickly."
The weight problems started three years ago after Sharon became seriously ill and needed lots of rest, so the podgy puss happily lounged 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 this 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."
Mini Moo is known for acting like a diva if she doesn't get her own way and will often sit by her food bowl at four in the morning and cry for food.
When Sharon is eating, Moo will beg constantly for treats, especially if tuna is on her owner's menu, and won't give up until she gets a small taste.
Moo, who is less active than she used to be due to her size, now prefers to watch the birds through the window instead of venturing outside. When she does go outdoors, it's only as far as the back garden.
Mini Moo often lies on her back and snores loudly, and 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!
Research from the annual PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report has found that 12 million UK pets are being fed too many fatty treats, including takeaways, cheese, crisps and cakes, often on a daily basis, which is fuelling the UK pet obesity epidemic.
Determined to get Moo down to her ideal weight of 5kg, Sharon added: "Mini Moo is such a wonderful pet, she really is a big part of the family and I'd be lost without her. By taking part in PDSA's Pet Fit Club, I want her to lose weight and become more active again, which will make her healthier. I know this will keep her around for longer and she will feel better for it, which is the most important thing."
Although it is clearly the overall health benefits that Mini Moo will get from taking part in PDSA's highly successful pet slimming competition that really count, Mini Moo will be competing with 17 other cats, dogs and rabbits to try to win the title of PDSA Pet Fit Club slimmer of the year.
Supporters can follow Moo's progress by visiting www.pdsa.org.uk/petfitclub and can sponsor Mini Moo to help raise vital funds for PDSA.
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