Fat Cat Weight Loss: 'Elmo the Cat' uses underwater treadmill

Knoxville, TN (WBIR) -- A 7-year-old Siamese from Knoxville is using an underwater treadmill at University of Tennessee's College of Veterinary Medicine to lose weight.

Elmo weighed 24.5 pounds when he started the aquatic treatment in January.  Doctors hope to lower the cat's weight to 12.5 pounds.  They believe the process will take one year.

Elmo was adopted by his current owners who were unaware Elmo had a hip injury as a kitten.  His owners believe the injury caused Elmo to be less active and gain the extra pounds.

Watch an interview with Elmo's parents and doctor in the video clip above.