A CHESTER cat has triumphed in a pet weight loss challenge after losing more than 20% of her original body weight.

Toots, who is three years old, was crowned the Chester winner of the Kilo Crunch Challenge run by Vets4Pets at Brook Lane, Hoole after she lost an impressive 22.95% of her original body weight (1.4kg).

Toots’ weight loss helped contribute to an overall national weight loss for the 600 pets that took part, of 652kg, or more than half a metric tonne.

Her owner, Lindsay Burdekin, who has won a £50 diet pet food voucher, said: “Toots joined the challenge in August 2009 weighing 6.1kg and her weight loss since then has been fantastic.

“Toots is only a small cat, so it became quite noticeable when she put on weight. The practice recommended that I used carefully measured amounts of diet food, which was the biggest change to Toots’ diet.

“She has always eaten dry food, but she also used to lick the jelly off wet food which is something I’ve now stopped her doing.

“As Toots was a stray cat, she would eat anything I put in front of her and had a very big appetite. Portion control became crucial and simple things like buying a set of scales to measure her food were really helpful.

“I also increased her exercise where possible and bought toys for her to play with indoors. She now weighs 4.7kg (around 10lb) and definitely seems happier and healthier which makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

Jo Holly, practice partner at Vets4Pets in Chester, said: ‘Toots did really well on the Kilo Crunch Challenge and I’m delighted she has been crowned the practice winner.

“It’s great to see owners taking the health of their pet seriously and Miss Burdekin’s willingness to make changes to Toots’ lifestyle, was instrumental in her weight loss.

“Hopefully this new healthy regime will become a way of life for her, helping to keep the weight off permanently.”

The Kilo Crunch Challenge ran at Vets4Pets practices throughout the country from July 1 to December 31. Owners were encouraged to bring their cats and dogs into their local Vets4Pets practice for a free weight and health check, where, if necessary, they were given a weight loss target along with the appropriate diet and exercise advice.

As well as individual practice winners, an overall national winner was crowned and received a pet friendly weekend break for two together with a £250 diet pet food voucher. All entrants received a £5 diet pet food money off voucher.

However, the end of the challenge should only mark the beginning of a healthy and happy lifestyle for participating pets.

Jo Holly says: “Managing a pet’s diet is a long-term commitment, which in the long-run not only benefits the pet’s welfare, but the pet owner’s pocket as well.”