Starting a new workout routine is tough. Just ask Cinderblock, a 25-pound kitty whose treadmill workout has captured the internet’s heart.
Cinderblock’s weight loss journey began when her previous owner brought her to the veterinarian to be euthanized, reports CNN. Dr. Brita Kiffney refused, and instead requested to adopt the cat, who had been overfed for years.
As Cinderblock slims down, she’s residing at Northshore Veterinary Hospital in Washington state. Her intense rehabilitation plan includes an underwater treadmill, which she was reluctant to use in a now-viral video.
“Many people have wondered why Northshore is subjecting Cinder to the underwater treadmill,” wrote the hospital in an update to the video. “Cinder has arthritis in multiple joints, and is carrying an extra 10 pounds of body weight. The water provides a reduced weight-bearing environment.”
While Cinderblock’s weight is extreme, obesity is increasingly common in cats. Some estimates state that up to 35% of cats are overweight or obese, with middle-aged pets (5-10 years old) experiencing the most risk.
“Obesity is a huge epidemic in our four legged friends,” says Dr. Lauren Jones, a veterinarian in the Philadelphia area. “As with people, obesity can lead to diabetes, heart disease or the exacerbation of underlying arthritis.”
In addition to diet, exercise is an important part of feline weight loss. However, older pets and extremely obese animals may have trouble running, jumping and chasing toys.
Low impact exercises, such as swimming or walking on an underwater treadmill, place less strain on joints while still burning calories and building lean muscle.
“As pets age, their likelihood of experiencing arthritis pain increases, which can make traditional exercises more problematic,” says Jones. “Animals who are extremely obese may not be able to perform more strenuous exercises in the early stages of a weight loss plan, and must build up to these exercises gradually.”
When developing a weight loss plan for your pet, it is important to work with your veterinarian and take things slow. Pets should lose no more than 1-2% of their body weight per week, says Jones.
While weight loss isn’t easy, the hard work will pay off for years to come.
“Achieving and maintaining an ideal body weight is a crucial part of keeping pets healthy and living into their golden years,” says Jones. “If you have any concerns about your pet’s body condition, don’t hesitate to talk to your veterinarian.”