Fat pets slim down in weight loss competition (From Times Series)

Fat pets slim down in weight loss competition

9:08am Monday 31st December 2012 in News By Natalie O'Neill

Two fat cats and an obese dog from Edgware have shifted the pounds to win themselves a place in the finals of a national slimming competition.

At their heaviest, short-haired cats Simba and Elvis weighed a staggering 9.2kg and 8kg, while Labrador Amber topped the scales at 36kg.

But with the help of their owners and veterinary nurse Lizzy Linley, they have lost an impressive 14.15kg between them.

The pets have been named as three of 12 finalists in pet food manufacturer Royal Canin’s national weigh-in club competition, which received a total of 117 entries from across the UK and Ireland.

Veterinary nurse Lizzy said: “Substantial weight gain is a growing concern and is a problem that, sadly, we are seeing more and more of.

“It’s never too late for pet owners to make a change though, and Simba, Elvis and Amber are great examples of how, with a little help, reaching a healthy weight can be easily achieved. I hope that their success stories inspire other owners to do the same for their pets.”

To mark their achievements, 14-year-old Simba, ten-year-old Elvis and six-year-old Amber will star in Royal Canin’s calendar next year.