Obese cat loses more than half her bodyweight

An obese cat who could barely stand because she weighed a whopping 13kg has lost more than half her bodyweight in two years.

Rainbow, who was once "severely underweight", was in the care of Cats Protection as a kitten.

But when she returned to the adoption centre in Bridgend three years later weighing slightly more than the average two-year-old child, staff were "deeply shocked".

It was uncertain whether she would survive because of the strain being put on her organs and bones by the excess weight.

But Rainbow upped the exercise, followed a strict diet and has now dropped almost 7kg, all in time to celebrate her first anniversary in her new home.

Owners Matthew and Sarah Rogers, from Merthyr Tydfil, said it had been amazing to be part of Rainbow's journey.

"Rainbow brings so much love and joy to our lives every day," said Sarah.

"It’s made a big difference to her day-to-day life. She can now groom herself properly and she’s much more agile and gets about the house and garden, which we have made secure for her, without any problems," Matthew added.

Rainbow initially spent a year in charity care due to issues with her weight.

Her size prevented her from going to the toilet or grooming properly, which meant she needed to be treated for an eye infection, urine burns and inflamed skin, as well as fleas.

Bridgend Cats Protection manager Sue Ben-Saud said: "Matthew and Sarah have done such a brilliant job.

"I knew she was doing well but seeing the pictures of her looking so trim, even with her excess skin from the weight loss, it’s absolutely remarkable.

"Rainbow has a special place in the hearts of everyone here. No cat should ever get in such a terrible state but thankfully her original owner reached out to us when she realised she simply could not keep Rainbow’s weight in check.

"Hers has been a truly remarkable journey, from close to death to happily homed."