Pet slimmers of the year

A cat and a dog treated for weight loss at The Blue Cross animal hospital in Merton have been named regional winners of the Hill’s Pet Slimmer of the Year Award.

Paris, a fourteen-year-old cat, weighed 2kg more than a healthy cat should at 7kg. The Blue Cross vet referred Paris to the hospital’s weight clinic where she was put on a special diet. Mrs Clarke, her owner, helped Paris to exercise by putting boards over doorways to encourage her to jump up, helping Paris shed the weight. She now weighs 4.95kg and is a much healthier cat.

Blossom, a ten-year-old golden retriever, came to the hospital because her excessive weight was making her unsteady on her legs, and unable to breathe on walks. She weighed an enormous 40.8kg, 10.9kg over her target weight of 30kg. Thanks to The Blue Cross she is now a respectable 32.8kg.

Chief veterinary surgeon at The Blue Cross Merton hospital, Caroline Reay, said: “Blossom and Paris have done exceptionally well to lose so much weight and are now much healthier, happier animals. We are delighted they have won the award for Hill’s Pet Slimmer of the Year Award for the South East  - they thoroughly deserve it.

“Their situations do highlight the importance of keeping an eye on your pet’s weight. Letting it spiral can do damage to the health of the animal, and can stop them exercising properly. The Blue Cross advises pet owners that exercise alone isn’t usually enough to take off excess weight, and needs to be combined with a carefully controlled diet. As ever, prevention is better than cure; pet owners should monitor their pet’s weight and “figure” and seek advice if they are worried.

Notes to editors
The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.

Photos of Blossom and Paris available on request.

Media contact:  Susan Crown
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