Bridgend: 'Extremely obese' cat who could 'barely walk' lost 4.5kg in a year in search of new home

An "extremely obese" cat has lost over four kilograms in a year to allow her to be rehomed.

Four-year-old Rainbow was so overweight that her life was in danger, but a combination of strict dieting and exercise over the past year means she's healthy enough to leave the Bridgend Adoption Centre in South Wales.

She remains twice the weight of an average cat, despite having lost 4.5kg since arriving at the centre in March 2022 - now weighing 8.1kg down from 12.7kg.

Rainbow must continue to follow a strict diet at her new home and the centre is hoping to find new owners to support her with a calorie-controlled diet to continue her weight loss.

According to the Cats Protection charity, felines are more likely to put on weight if they have previously been obese and it is unlikely Rainbow would "survive another period of significant weight gain".

The adoption centre where Rainbow currently lives described her as "extremely obese" when she returned to their care in 2022.

Deputy manager Jenna Butcher 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."

Marie Morley, Rainbow's fosterer, described her as "the sweetest, loveliest girl".

"When she first came to me she could barely walk before having to stop and rest, now she can jump up onto the settee without any effort, she has become inquisitive and even plays with toys when she wants to," she added.

"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."

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Ms Butcher added: "Rapid weight loss can be dangerous to cats but Rainbow's organs and joints were also under pressure, so we had to play a balancing act to keep her as safe and healthy as possible while ensuring she lost the weight gradually."

As Rainbow's eyesight is restricted, the centre is looking for somewhere with an enclosed garden space which she can call home so that she can spend some time outdoors under supervision.