Feline obesity on the rise: nearly a quarter of UK cats classed as overweight

An overweight cat is measured by animal charity PDSA. Photo: Owen Humphreys/PA Archive

Feline obesity is on the rise in the UK with nearly a quarter of cats in Britain classed as overweight.

New research from Cats protection shows that around three million cats - one in four of the feline population - need to lose weight.

Over two thirds of owners give their cats special treats and a third of those get one treat a day.

Overweight cats take part in a PDSA pet fit club. Credit: PA

This Christmas, many cats enjoyed their food as much as their owners, with one in ten enjoying a special Christmas dinner.

According to the PDSA, the number of overweight animals has risen by 10% since 2006.