Tiddles

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Tiddles the Paddington Station Cat (1970–1983) was a tabby-and-white cat who spent most of his 13-year long life in the ladies' lavatory at Paddington Station, London, England. Constantly being fed meat and poultry brought to him by his many admirers, he became 'London Fat Cat Champion' in 1982 at 30 lb (13.6 kg), and eventually reached a maximum weight of 32 lb (14.5 kg). Tiddles was put to sleep in 1983 after veterinarians found fluid around his lungs.

In 1970, a stray 6 week old kitten in the vicinity was adopted by ladies' lavatory attendant June Watson. He became a great favourite with regular visitors to the ladies' lavatories, some of whom made food donations.

During his lifetime, Tiddles was fed on chicken livers, lambs' tongues, kidneys, rabbit and steak provided by his admirers. His food was kept in his own personal refrigerator. As a result of his high-fat, high-calorie diet, Tiddles rapidly gained weight. His low level of exercise did not match his calorie intake, however, his fans continued to send him titbits. His appearance in national newspapers led to food parcels addressed simply to "Tiddles, Paddington Station" (successfully delivered).

During his lifetime, vets attempted to put Tiddles on a diet. This failed due to all the titbits still being fed to him. Cats commonly overeat when offered favourite foods and treats. Excessive treat feeding and ad lib feeding are recognised causes of feline obesity. Photographs of Tiddles show a grotesquely overweight cat.