From Petite to Plump: The Adventures of a Kitty in the Land of Serenity and Beyond

Rainbow as a kitten, and now (Picture: Wales News Service)

Meet Rainbow, a slender stray kitten who weighed a mere 460g when she was brought to the Cats Protection Adoption Centre in Bridgend. The compassionate staff at the sanctuary worked tirelessly to nurse her back to vitality and ensure she reached a healthy weight before finding her a loving home. However, after three years, Rainbow was returned to the centre as an overweight feline, tipping the scales at a staggering 12.7kg, three times the average size of a healthy cat. Though pudgy cats can be adorable, Rainbow’s excessive indulgence had brought her dangerously close to death’s door. Her colossal size posed a significant risk to her well-being, prompting her return to the adoption centre. Expressing disbelief at Rainbow’s condition, manager Sue Dobbs was taken aback.

Rainbow as a tiny kitten

Tiny Rainbow, the feline at the Cats Protection Centre, had her adorable moment captured in a photo right before she left. The credit for this precious snapshot goes to Cats Protection/Wales News Service.

Fat cat Rainbow on her return to the sanctuary

In this delightful tale, we delve into the story of a feline named Rainbow, who found herself returning to a cat rescue center after three years of being with different owners. The reason for her return? It all boiled down to an ongoing struggle with her weight, which proved to be a challenge for her previous caregivers. As Rainbow made her way back to the rescue center, the attentive staff couldn’t help but notice that she was amongst the heaviest cats they had ever encountered. This presented such a contrast to the tiny, fragile kitten they had welcomed with uncertainty in the past.

Sadly, Rainbow’s excessive weight had taken a toll on her joints and organs, leaving her with limited mobility. The simple act of playing or running became an arduous task for her burdened body. Witnessing her struggles was truly heart-wrenching. To compound her misfortunes, Rainbow was plagued by fleas, her eyes were red and crusty, her fur was thinning and patchy, and her skin showed signs of irritation and inflammation due to urine burns.

Note: The text was paraphrased to create a unique and original version. However, please ensure that you properly credit the original source if you choose to use any of the ideas or information provided.

Fat cat Rainbow on her return to the sanctuary - from above, her body ballooning out as she lies down

According to Cats Protection/Wales News Service, a cat named Chonky Rainbow was discovered to weigh three times more than an average, healthy cat. Sue, the caretaker of Rainbow, observed that the cat was experiencing discomfort, itching, and poor hygiene. Sue also noted that Rainbow was unable to engage in typical cat behaviors such as playing, running, hunting, or hiding, which likely caused feelings of depression and fear. Despite being put on a specific diet upon arrival at the center, Rainbow’s condition worsened due to overfeeding and excessive treats. This excessive indulgence ultimately led to Rainbow’s decline. Therefore, it is crucial to strike a balance between food intake and exercise for cats, as an abundance of treats or large portions without adequate physical activity can have serious consequences.

Fat cat Rainbow on her return to the sanctuary - from above, looking up to camera

The unfortunate kitty named Rainbow was unable to properly care for herself or engage in natural behaviors, as seen in a photograph by Cats Protection/Wales News Service. However, the sanctuary took action by implementing a specialized diet that has already resulted in her losing almost 5kg and starting her journey towards recovery. Dr. Sarah Elliott, the Central Veterinary Officer for Cats Protection, cautioned that even though most cat owners have a strong bond with their pets, they may inadvertently overfeed them with food or treats as a display of love or to make them feel like part of the family. Unfortunately, this approach is counterproductive, as overweight cats are at a significant risk of developing joint issues, diabetes, and urinary infections. The hope is that Rainbow will soon reach a healthy weight and find a loving forever home.

Scroll to Top