In an inspiring tale of recovery, Big Bertha, also affectionately known as “Big Betha,” defied the odds after being cruelly abandoned in a sports bag. Weighing in at a staggering 26 pounds and facing severe matting, Big Betha’s journey to health serves as both a cautionary tale and a testament to the power of compassion.
Rescued in Birmingham last October, this two-year-old cat found herself in a dire situation. With the average weight of a domestic cat in the U.S. hovering around 9 pounds, Big Bertha was nearly three times that weight, her fur overgrown and heavily matted. She was so large that she couldn’t fit through a cat flap or comfortably reside in a typical cat pod.
Emma Finnimore, who supervises the cattery at the Birmingham Animal Centre, where Big Betha was taken, expressed her astonishment, saying, “This is the largest cat I’ve seen in my 22 years at the RSPCA.”
Big Betha’s journey to better health began with a necessary trim of her fur, which alone weighed over half a pound. A disciplined regimen, complete with weekly weigh-ins, gradually helped her shed the excess weight. Emma Cureton, her new owner, shared, “The weight has gradually come off, and she’s already lost an amazing 8.4 pounds – which is a third of her body weight.” Big Betha still has a little ways to go, but her remarkable progress has been nothing short of inspiring.
It remains a mystery how Big Betha reached such an unhealthy size at such a young age. However, it’s suspected that someone may have constantly overfed her, leaving her unable to groom herself.
This heartwarming story of redemption comes at a crucial time when the RSPCA reports a concerning rise in abandoned pets, with incidents increasing by 25%. In October of last year alone, 13,159 cases were recorded, up from 10,519 the previous year. Big Betha’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of obesity in pets, which can lead to joint problems, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
As the RSPCA tirelessly works to keep pets in loving homes and support struggling owners, Big Betha’s story stands as a beacon of hope and a plea for responsible pet ownership. In the face of adversity, this remarkable cat’s resilience and the unwavering dedication of those who cared for her remind us all of the incredible transformations that are possible with love and commitment.
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