Gentle Giants

I clipped these articles some time back but couldn't find the time to upload them. Are these animals still cute (or do they look scary?) and more importantly, healthy if they are this obese?

This rabbit is of the same size as a big dog. Named Robert, he weighs 9.2kg and his owner is a retiree staying in the eastern part of Russia. His owner once won a prize for rearing such a huge rabbit.

This cat was trapped in the dog flap when his belly got stuck. He had lost his way and was trying to steal dog food from a house. He weighs 20 pounds (about 9.07kg). He eventually was reunited with his owner.

Skoda is also overweight for her age. She last weighed about 6kg in Jan 2007. Though she is not obese, the vet said she mustn't put on any more weight. In fact, she has to shed 1kg. This would be a major challege because all three girls share a food bowl and the current kibbles portion is already substantially reduced (we're not giving the total daily portion for three cats). In addition, we've stopped free feeding for some time and the kibbles are especially for cats that are kept indoor (less calories). I'm also feeding Skoda less treats. Yet, Skoda don't seem to be losing any weight. Visitors to the Cove often asked if she is pregnant. Impossible lah! She has already been spayed.

Some times, Skoda seems to look bigger (my eyes are playing tricks on me?). If she continues to tip the scales on the wrong side, she'll have to be put on a vet-prescribed diet. If we ever have to take up this measure, it would be difficult to keep the other two away from Skoda's diet food. So all three to go on a diet? Braun and Mikki have amazing appetites - they eat a lot but stay pretty much the same size. Might be too early to tell for Mikki because she is still a kitten and easily "burns up" her intake. I definitely don't think cuteness has anything to do with size. I'd be more concerned about Skoda's health.

How, Skoda?!?! I'm at my wits' end leh...