Though it’s not yet Christmas, Snuggles the cat is already working on her New Years’ resolution. This beautiful tuxedo chonk has been working on her fitness to help her find a home this holiday season. And she’s got the animal lovers of the RSPCA Middlesex North West and South Hertfordshire branch in her corner to help her stay firm on her diet and exercise plan.
Snuggles made her resolution to lose weight after she came to the RSPCA branch weighing in at 7.01 kg, or fifteen and a half pounds. Out of shape and weary of people, Snuggles needed help getting healthy for a forever home. And now, thanks to the RSPCA and her own tenacity, Snuggles is down to 11.7 pounds and seeking her forever family.
Trimming Up for Forever
Obesity in cats can cause a wealth of problems. Not only can it affect their ability to keep active and keep groomed, but being morbidly overweight can cause diabetes, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, and heart failure in cats. Truly, being obese can wreak havoc on a cat’s entire body. Sure, chonkers are adorable, but it’s not healthy for cats to be so large.
That’s why RSPCA staff put 5-year-old Snuggles on a reduced-portion diet coupled with lots of playtime and exercise when she came into their care. They suspect Snuggles previously lived an indoor life without added enrichment, leading her to pack on the pounds because she could only eat to fill her boredom.
It’s been a struggle, but she’s done it! At her much healthier weight of 5.31 kgs, Snuggles is officially up for adoption! But bringing this lovely tuxedo cat home comes with some requirements.
The Right Ingredients for a Happy Snuggles
Tracy Deamer, an animal welfare officer with RSPCA, told The Metro, Snuggles has a little more weight to lose, so “she is therefore looking for a home with a garden where she can go outside and get some much-needed exercise and is looking for someone who can continue her diet.”
And regular playtime and enrichment are a must. Snuggles would thrive with cat towers, places to scratch, and some supervised jaunts outside. But, like anyone on a strict diet, sweet Snuggles can sometimes be a little grumpy.
“She is very scared of humans and does not like to be handled,” explained Tracy.
But the right adult-only family with cat experience and patience will surely help this girl find her forever happiness.
H/T: www.metro.co.uk
Feature Image: www.RSPCA.org