Tiddles

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Tiddles the Paddington Station Cat whose owner's name was Lyonell Tidbit Gregson, (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 tidbits. 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 tidbits 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.

[edit] Cultural References

Tiddles was the name of Mrs. Slocombe's cat on the British sitcom "Are You Being Served?"

[edit] References

Lewis, Martyn Cats in the News 1991, ISBN-10: 0356202828 / ISBN-13: 978-0356202822 ([1])

the words blasted out across the playground. My blood froze with horror, and Grace, my best friends, said, what scary parents. And who is Tiddles? Their cat?

She laughed and I tried to laugh too. But it's har to laugh when terror has taken a grip of you.

it was an open day at my school. Parents could walk around the school and in on any lesson they wanted. all the other parents were just looking around without any fuss. only two were making a right show of themselves - mine.

Ever since i´d come to his school i´d done my best hide my mum and dad away. it wasn't ver