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Overweight rescue cat undergoes huge transformation
When she was discovered, Bertha weighed almost two stone, and had matted fur.

RSPCA reminder on dangers of pet obesity.

A cat who weighed almost two stone when she was rescued by the RSPCA is making steady progress, having lost almost a third of her bodyweight.

Found abandoned inside a sports bag in Calthorpe Park, Birmingham in October 2022, and promptly named Big Bertha, the rescue cat was in a terrible condition.

Bertha had extremely matted fur, and weighed an incredible 11.500kg.

RSPCA cattery supervisor Emma Finnimore said: “When she arrived she was 11.800kg! This is the largest cat I have seen in my 22 years working for the RSPCA.

“A vet carefully clipped away her matting but she still weighed 11.500kg and was too large to live in a cat pod as she wouldn't have been able to use the cat flap so we had to adapt a cat run for her until she went to a foster home.”

At only two years old, it is not known exactly how Bertha got so big, but she was swiftly put on a strict diet and exercise regime. Regular veterinary checks and weight-ins meant that Bertha was carefully monitored.

Bertha is currently in foster care, and her foster carer Emma Cureton commented on her progress: “The weight has gradually come off and she’s already lost an amazing 3.82kg - which is a third of her body weight.. She’s still got a little way to go but she’ll get there and will soon be ready to find a new home.

“She was in such a sorry state when she arrived at the rescue centre with her matting pulling on her skin. We don’t know how she got so large as she is only a young cat. We think maybe someone had been constantly feeding her as she was so large she was left unable to groom herself.”

In sharing Bertha's journey, the RSPCA hopes to remind people that being overweight is dangerous for pets, potentially leading to serious health issues such as joint problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, and problems with the liver, skin and heat tolerance. 

 

Image (C) RSPCA

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
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Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.