Over Healthy Cat.

Slimming cats may not seem a 'weighty' issue but research by HiIl's reveals that 50 per cent of cats and dogs in the UK are considered overweight. As with humans, this is a constant concern as obesity in cats can potentially change their life expectancy and indeed, quality of life. Many cat owners are fooled by the notion that a fat cat is a happy cat - this is not the case. At 8.6kg, this was certainly true for Toby Long, whose journey to becoming the 2003 HiIl's Pet Slimmer of the Year reveals how beating the bulge has changed his life for the better

A portly puss
"Toby has always been fond of his food," explains his owner, Zoe Long, "and since he arrived in the family it became obvious that Toby's favourite place was the kitchen, where his loud demands for food could be heard throughout the day! Toby was also a nervous cat and whenever he thought he was going to the vet, he would turn to his food bowl for comfort!" As Toby began to pile on the pounds it was clear that his appetite was the result of greed rather than genuine hunger. His tummy had grown so large that he could not even groom himself properly. However, the seriousness of the problem was only highlighted when Toby was taken to the vet for his flea vaccination; a weight check revealed that he was heavier than the vet's dog!

What are the effects of feline obesity?
The Longs had no idea that responding to Toby's pleas for food could have such a detrimental effect on his health. His greasy fur was symptomatic of his weight gain but obesity has also been linked with several serious health problems such as diabetes mellitus, liver disease, bladder disease, high blood pressure (which can cause blindness) and joint disease.

A slimming success.
The vet advised that Toby's diet should be changed from wet food to HiII's
* Prescription Diet* Feline rid *, a low calorie food which is high in fibre to promote a feeling of fullness after meals. With support from the veterinary practice, the Longs developed feeding strategies to combat the problem. Toby's brother, Oscar, for example, was fed on one of the work tops to prevent Toby from eating enough for two. Achieving a healthy weight for Toby was a long term commitment and Zoe Long and her husband recognized that one of the hardest parts was resisting the temptation to give in to Toby's pleas for food. But the results were worth the battle. At the start of his diet the pounds dropped off slowly and on occasions he even seemed to gain weight, but Toby finally lost an incredible 33 per cent of his body weight, reaching a healthy 5.6kg.

Following a suggestion from the Longs' vet, Toby was entered into the Hill's Pet Slimmer of the Year competition, and this acted as a goal to work towards. In January, Toby's slimming efforts were given national recognition when he was named the feline Hill's Pet Slimmer of the Year 2003! Now he is happier, has a beautiful coat and a renewed interest in play. His increased energy however, has had its downside for the Longs as he now has enough energy to jump onto the worktop to try to eat his brother's food." Hill's* Prescription Diet* Feline m/d*

This year, Hill's has launched an innovative _ new diet for overweight cats: Hill's':5
Prescription Diet' Feline mid' is a low carbohydrate, high-protein diet, especially formulated to suit the metabolism of cats.
This diet provides an alternative approach to traditional low-fat, high-fibre diets and  adds a new dimension to HiIl's impressive portfolio of weight management products for pets.

_{source Your Cat Mag.}