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This Sponge Bob needs to lose weight

Sponge Bob, believed to be the world's fattest cat who weighs an incredible 13.5 kg, is now on a strict diet and fitness regime at an animal shelter in the US.

But the staff at the shelter 'Animal Haven' in New York are struggling to rehome the nine-year-old Bob because of his sheer size, the Daily Telegraph report.

Kendra Mara, associate director of the shelter, said the dedicated staff at the shelter came up with exercises to encourage Sponge Bob to move, helping him shed more than one kg in just two months.

They use cat nip to keep Bob moving along with occasional tiny cat treats, to make him to run across the room. 'To get him to run across the room, it's worth it,' said Kendra.

She also informed that Bob is fed a special protein diet that includes lean chicken, fish and vegetables such as pumpkin, containing no carbohydrates.

Sponge Bob may well now be the world's heaviest cat after the previous fattest cat Meow, from Sante Fe, New Mexico, died of pulmonary failure at 39lbs, earlier this month.

According to Kendra, it's 'pretty abnormal' for a cat to be able to get this big. 'But he has had blood work and doesn't have hyperthyroidism or anything so it appears to be just from eating,' she said.

The cat now lives in a special large pen, usually given to a whole litter of puppies, and staff encourage him to jump out of the cage for daily exercise.

Staff at Animal Haven hope Bob will continue losing one to two pounds per month, to reach a more healthy weight in around eight months' time.

He is expected to be adopted soon by a loving family, who can dedicate their time to playing with him, as well as continuing his healthy diet.

'I hope someone sees how wonderful he is and welcomes him in their home,' Kendra added.
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