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Overweight cat now healthy enough to be rehomed
Rainbow was so overweight that she was unable to groom and barely able to walk.
Rescue cat has lost 4.6kg since arriving at adoption centre last March.

A dangerously overweight four-year-old cat has lost 4.6 kilograms since arriving at Cats Protection’s Bridgend adoption centre in March 2022. When the cat was first brought to the centre, she weighed 12.7 kilograms, was unable to groom and barely able to walk.

The rescue cat, named Rainbow, had red, crusty eyes and was infested with fleas because the individual parasite treatments did not contain enough medication to treat a cat of her size. Her inability to clean had left her legs covered in urine burns, and the skin around her rear-end inflamed and sore, resulting in total fur loss. Before treatment, the affected area had to be shaved and bathed.

Because rapid weight loss can be dangerous to cats, Rainbow’s diet and exercise was managed under supervision from a veterinary surgeon, while considering her organs and joints, that were being put under pressure from the excess weight.

Jenna Butcher, deputy manager at Bridgend said: “When Rainbow was first brought to the centre she had very little mobility and couldn’t show any natural cat behaviours like grooming, moving or playing, which was very distressing and uncomfortable for Rainbow and also upsetting for us to see. Her owner had not intended to do her harm but had mistakenly tried to show Rainbow affection through food which ultimately almost killed her.”

Rainbow is still twice the weight of an average cat, but Cats Protection are now looking for her new home where she can continue her weight loss. The charity warns that cats that have previously been obese are more likely to gain weight again, and that her new owners must keep her on a calorie-controlled diet.

Marie Morley, Rainbow’s fosterer, said: “Rainbow’s eyesight is limited but this hasn’t stopped her from revealing her ‘inner cat’ in a way that seemed impossible when she first arrived at the centre.

“Rainbow is adored by everyone who meets her and now needs to find a new home with owners who will continue to support her on her weight loss journey and will lavish her with the love she deserves.”

Cats Protection urges anyone with concerns about their cat’s health or weight to speak to their veterinary surgeon.

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.