Moses, a nine-year-old overweight feline, is taking an unconventional approach to weight loss by undergoing hydrotherapy treatment at Avonvale Veterinary Centres in Wellesbourne. Despite the common belief that cats dislike water, Moses is proving to be an exception as he walks through water to shed some pounds.
A Reluctant Start
Initially, Moses was an extremely reluctant participant. Olivia Stokes, a veterinary hydrotherapist at Avonvale, recalls the challenges of getting Moses accustomed to the water. When Moses first arrived, he weighed nearly 10kg and had not been successful with traditional diets and exercise. Hydrotherapy was chosen as a unique solution to help him lose weight.
Finding the Right Approach
Stokes, who has been in the industry for five years and a qualified hydrotherapist for almost two years, found it challenging to introduce Moses to the water. Cats generally dislike water, and Moses was no different during his initial sessions, requiring a lot of encouragement to participate.
Progress and Routine
After some trial and error, Stokes discovered the right techniques to help Moses adapt to the water treatment. Now, Moses comfortably sits in the tank as the water level is gradually increased. He walks on a submerged treadmill for 13 minutes, followed by more water being added to give him a full-body swim workout.
Results and Success
Moses’s perseverance is paying off. At his last weigh-in, he was down to 9.1kg, marking a weight loss of nearly four percent over six weeks. This steady and controlled weight loss is ideal, ensuring that Moses remains healthy while shedding the extra pounds.
Owner’s Perspective
Moses’s owner, Jenna Joshi, who is also the clinical nursing manager at Avonvale, expressed her delight at her pet’s progress. She is thrilled to see Moses benefitting from the hydrotherapy sessions and gradually moving towards a healthier weight.
Moses’s journey highlights an innovative approach to feline weight loss, showing that with the right techniques and perseverance, even cats can overcome their dislike of water and achieve their fitness goals.
