A deaf Dundee cat which wastes no time “wolfing down its food” has reached the finals of a UK-wide pet slimming competition.
Entei has been selected to compete against 12 other fat pets from around the UK in the PDSA’s Pet Fit Club competition.
Nicola Martin, head of pet health and welfare for the veterinary charity, said: “With the help of Pet Fit Club, these pets and their owners will be making positive changes to their lifestyles to help them slim down to a healthy weight.”
Six-year-old Entei, who weighs 1st 2lb (7.2kg), is nearly 45% over his ideal weight of 5kg. He was already overweight when new owner Andy Edwards, 48, adopted him.
He probably had to eat it before the others could get their paws on it.
Mr Edwards said: “When he came to live with us he used to wolf down his food so quickly.
“Apparently he had been living with several other cats and, because he’s deaf and a bit vulnerable, he probably had to eat it before the others could get their paws on it.”
As part of the competition, the finalists will embark on a strict six-month diet and exercise programme.
Ms Martin added: “Pet obesity is a serious issue affecting millions of UK pets.
“Like humans, pets carrying excess weight risk developing serious health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis and heart disease. It can even shorten their lives.”
