A lazy cat that weighed almost 10kg (22lb) is now “feline fine” after starting swimming lessons to shed a few pounds. Nine-year-old Moses began his weight-loss journey with hydrotherapy, and in six weeks, he has lost nearly 1kg (2.2lbs).
Despite being on a controlled diet and engaging in some exercise, Moses weighed in at 9.7kg (21.3lbs) before receiving treatment at Avonvale Veterinary Centre in Wellesbourne, Warwickshire. His owner, Jenna Joshi from Banbury, Oxfordshire, mentioned that Moses had always been a big cat but had gained a significant amount of weight over the past three years.
“I’d been keeping him on a strict diet, but this didn’t help at all,” Ms. Joshi said. “He just was not interested in going outside, exercising, or playing with toys.” As a clinical nursing manager at Avonvale, Ms. Joshi sought help from her colleagues, who suggested hydrotherapy.
“I could see a difference almost straight away. After his first hydro session, he came through the cat flap, which he hadn’t done in a long time,” she explained. “We are still having regular weight checks, continuing with hydrotherapy, and making good progress. It was difficult at first, but now he doesn’t complain and knows exactly what he needs to do when he goes for his sessions.”
Olivia Stokes, Avonvale’s veterinary hydrotherapist, said she had been in the industry for five years and had never seen a cat in the water before. “That is because cats don’t usually like water and, sure enough, on his first taster session, Moses was not impressed at all,” she said. “He needed a lot of encouragement as he resisted the treatment.”
Moses began getting used to it after walking on the treadmill for 13 minutes while water was gradually added. “Fast forward down the line, and Moses now sits in the tank as I increase the water level and then knows exactly what to do,” Stokes said.
Ms. Joshi expressed her pride in Moses’ progress and her happiness in being able to help him. “He is also a lot more active at home and generally feeling much better in himself,” she said.
Moses’ journey highlights the importance of tailored exercise programs for pets struggling with weight issues and showcases the innovative use of hydrotherapy to help cats, who typically dislike water, achieve their fitness goals. His story is an inspiring example of how dedicated care and unconventional methods can lead to significant health improvements in pets.