RSPCA puts new arrival, 14.3kg Sumo the cat, on strict diet

THIS 14.3kg moggy is the heaviest cat brought in to the RSPCA in at least half a century.

HIS name’s Sumo and it’s easy to see why.

This 14.3kg moggy is the heaviest cat brought in to the RSPCA in at least half a century.

Sumo, 9, arrived at the RSPCA on Friday morning and was on a diet by Friday afternoon.

Sumo the cat has been put on a diet, after arriving at the RSPCA. Picture: Darren England.

Veterinarian Lobke Buhrmann said he weighed twice as much as he should.

“I’ve never seen a cat this big before,’’ she said. “We’ve started him on a weight-loss program.’’

Dr Buhrmann said overfeeding animals might seem kind but pets suffered in the long run.

THE WORLD’S FAT CATS

“It’s a real risk,’’ she said. “Overweight cats can get diabetes, liver problems and they are more likely to get cancer and have leg problems. Their joints are affected and Sumo’s already developed a rolling gait. He sways.’’

Sumo gets a cuddle from Aislynne Boland, 12. Picture: Darren England.

Carer Tanya Boland said Sumo was on two cups of low-fat food daily.

“We can’t reduce his food intake any faster or it would cause his liver to break down,’’ she said.

Sumo’s arrival at the RSPCA coincided with its big weekend sale to reduce pressure on the refuges.

Four birds, 92 cats, 107 dogs, 52 kittens, a goat, two chooks, 14 puppies, three reptiles and two rodents found new homes.

Originally published as RSPCA puts new arrival, 14.3kg Sumo the cat, on strict diet