From personal experience, Jason knows that some individuals diet not because they are unhappy with their weight but because they are either pressurised into dieting or have to diet for health reasons.

Jason's weight has been closely monitored since he came to live with us in 2000. He was extremely thin having survived for three months on occasional scraps. However, by eating good quality meals regularly, he quickly put on weight. He also stole food and within a few months, was heavier than is normal for a cat of his size.

At the beginning of this year, Jason weighed 7 kgs and heard for the first time rude remarks about his tummy, which wobbled when he ran, and found getting through the cat flap a tight squeeze. Despite this, he remained untroubled by his weight and refused to follow the diet we put him on.

Then he developed a potentially serious lower urinary tract disorder which is often found in animals that are carrying too much weight. His vet recommended a special diet to help dissolve the crystals that had formed in his urinary tract and suggested a weight-loss programme.

Jason has been on his diet for eighteen weeks and his weight has fallen from 7 kgs to 6.12 kgs, his tummy no longer sticks out and he slides easily through the cat flap. He also has much more energy. We had hoped Jason would notice these differences, understand that losing weight may cure his bladder problem, be happier than when he was overweight and, as a result, be convinced that diets can be good for you.

Yesterday, he was caught stealing meat.

Copyright © Sheenah Large
May 18, 2002