EMPIRE MUSEUM - ODDITIES

The most famous feline fattie was 32 lb (14.5 kg) "Tiddles" who lived in the ladies' lavatory at Paddington Station, London, England for 13 years. Tiddles was adopted in 1970 as a stray 6 week old kitten by lavatory attendant June Watson. He lived dined on chicken livers, lambs' tongues, kidneys, rabbit or steak brought in by his admirers and had his own personal fridge. Tiddles continued to grow in girth and received fan-mail from around the world as well as appearing in news reports. His weight was due to overeating, but vets' attempts to put him on a diet failed (largely thwarted by titbits from admirers). Tiddles easily became 'London Fat Cat Champion' in 1982 at 30 lb (13.6 kg). He was put to sleep in 1983 after vets found fluid round his lungs. Tiddles had essentially eaten himself to death - killed by kindness - and photos show a grotesquely overweight and sad-looking cat, immobilised by his own girth.

Feline obesity is the most common nutritional disease in domestic cats, and can prove fatal. Any cat having an excess body weight of 20 percent or more, is considered obese. Unfortunately, the full extent about the damaging effects of feline obesity is currently unknown. However, it IS known that longevity and quality of life are sacrificed with feline obesity. There is also a risk of diabetes, lower urinary tract disease, or stroke. Recent studies have also shown that feline obesity is a possible cause of heart disease, respiratory problems and constipation. Overweight cats are also at a greater risk of developing diabetes and arthritis. It has also been linked to severe liver failure. Cats who are overweight, and have gone through a period of stress, are at a high risk. Other risk factors include increased anesthetic and surgical risk, skeletal problems, shortness of breath, and a longer recovery time after illness or surgery.