Tiger the cat weighs in at a whopping 35 pounds

Tiger the cat was recently 'wheeled' into Cat Depot and relinquished by its owner who had to move into an assisted living facility. The veterinary staff weighed the large tabby cat who tipped the scale at a whopping 35 pounds. Tiger was immediately placed on a carefully monitored diet program with a goal of losing one pound per month. Tiger has difficulty walking due to his tremendous size and can only take a few steps at a time. He is receiving visitors in Cat Depot’s chubby cat suite and eventually will be available for adoption when he is just a few pounds lighter.

Obesity in cats can lead to health risks such as diabetes, arthritis, heart and lung disease, and high blood pressure.

A 2011 study by APOP (Association for Pet Obesity Prevention) found that over 50 percent of cats were either obese or overweight. Most domestic cats should weigh between 8 and 10 pounds. Cats are typically overfed their cat food, as well as “over-treated.” An average lazy 10-pound house cat usually needs only 180 and 200 calories each day.

Is your cat overweight? 

·        Talk to your vet and get your cat a full medical checkup. Find out what their ideal body weight is and how many calories they should eat each day, including treats.

·        Exercise your cat! Play laser tag—do something to get your cat moving for at least 20 minutes each day.

·        Monitor your cat’s progress and stay on track!

Cat Depot is located at 2542 17th Street, Sarasota. (941) 366-2404

www.catdepot.org