‘Fat cat’ competition: No intention to encourage overfeeding, says JB mall management

JOHOR BARU: The management of a mall here that has been receiving public feedback following a “fat cat” competition over the weekend has come forward to address the matter.

A member of the management, who declined to be named, said that the competition was intended to bring pet owners together.

"It was never our intention to encourage any form of overfeeding towards cats or other pets.

"The competition was just a light-hearted way of bringing animal lovers and pet owners together.

"In fact, in the promotion posters and flyers of the event, we have mentioned that this was just a fun competition.

"However, in view of the backlash, we will review the matter further.

"We take note of the complaints and will make sure that this does not happen again in the future," she told The Star when contacted.

The competition was held on April 30 in conjunction with a three-day pet fair organised by the mall.

A social media post of the event had garnered a mixed reaction from the public with some claiming that such competition may encourage pet owners to overfeed their cats.

Companion Animal Rescue Effort Society (Cares) chairman Joseph Chia said that while the concerns were valid, the competition alone would not encourage owners to overfeed their animals.

"I believe that pet owners are sensible people who will not go to the extent of purposely overfeeding their cats just to win a prize.

"That being said, it is important for pet owners to understand the health risk associated with overfeeding their pets.

"Like humans, animals are also prone to health issues associated with obesity," he said.