THE LONG-CHERISHED dream that man can reproduce his best friend has become a reality when South Korean scientists announced last week they had created the world’s first cloned dogHow many of OUR CATS readers have read a judge’s critique where words like “well-grown”, “obviously likes the high-life”, “plump”, or even “too heavy” appear alongside the references to the SOPS? Well, the PDSA have given OUR CATS readers an opportunity to remedy that!
The charity is offering your cat the chance to take part in a unique diet and exercise challenge. PDSA Fit Camp is launched in response to new research* that suggests the nation’s pets should be fighting the flab due to their couch pet-ato ways.
Nearly half (48%) of all pet owners spoil their pets daily with extra snacks and human treats outside of their regular mealtimes, including chips, cheese, chocolate** and marshmallows, while a quarter also fail to give their pet regular exercise. The charity is looking for eight pets across the UK to take on the challenge of PDSA Fit Camp.
Selected by celebrity health and fitness expert Kevin Adams and PDSA senior veterinary surgeon Elaine Pendlebury, these eight lucky pets will follow a 100 day diet and exercise programme that will be regularly monitored by their local PDSA PetAid hospital. At the end of the programme, the pet with the greatest proportional weight loss who best stuck to their new exercise regime will be crowned PDSA Fit Camp Champ, winning the owner and their pet a weekend away at Knoll House Hotel at Studland Bay in Dorset (www.knollhouse.co.uk).
Even if your cat is not selected he/she can still benefit from PDSA’s expertise as every entrant will receive a free diet and exercise guide, including tips from Kevin and Elaine on how to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle.
PDSA Fit Camp judge and contributor to the diet and exercise guide, Kevin Adams, said; “We’re more aware than ever before of the importance of a healthy balanced diet and regular exercise, but PDSA’s research shows how we can let bad habits creep in when caring for our pets. My advice to owners worried about their pet’s weight is that a few simple steps can make a big difference. If you have a dog, why not both enjoy the exercise of a regular walk or run, or play indoor games with a small pet or house cat?”
PDSA senior veterinary surgeon Elaine Pendlebury added; “While it’s tempting to share the odd snack or treat with our furry friends, it’s so important for owners to take a responsible attitude toward their pet’s diet as they could literally be killing their pets with kindness. When it comes to weight loss, the same principles apply whether you’re a human or an animal – reduced and controlled portion size and regular exercise. I’m really looking forward to giving our eight PDSA Fit Camp challengers the support and advice they need to kick start a healthier lifestyle.”
Entry to PDSA ‘Fit Camp’ is simple:
• Pop into your local PDSA PetAid hospital or PDSA shop and pick up an entry form. All applicants need to include a recent photo of their pet. For a full list of PetAid hospitals and shops visit: www.pdsa.org.uk /er4pets
• Log on to www.pdsa.org.uk/ petfitcamp and download the entry form
• Call 0207 025 6675 to request an entry form
The closing date for entries is 31 August 2005 and the eight Fit Camp challengers will be selected by Kevin Adams and Elaine Pendlebury in mid September. The PDSA ‘Fit Camp Champ’ will be announced in January 2006.
*Survey of 200 pet owners on www.pdsa.org.uk
** chocolate contains theobromine which can poison some pets. Clinical effects usually appear within 4-24 hours of ingestion and the outcome can be fatal.
