Patches, 40-Pound Cat, Embarks On New Journey With Adoption And Special Diet

"I sat down with him and knew if they chose me, I could help and give him the best home ever!"

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• November 7, 2023

Cats, like any other animal, can struggle with weight issues that can have a significant impact on their health and lifespan. This heartwarming story is the tale of Patches.

Patches found himself in the care of Richmond Animal Care and Control, but what made his case stand out was his staggering weight of 40.3 pounds. This was far beyond a healthy weight for a cat and posed serious risks to his well-being.

Within less than a day of his arrival at the shelter, Patches' story began to weave itself into the hearts of many. The shelter posted a photo of this adorable but overweight cat on their Facebook page.

It didn't take long for the post to gain attention, with people expressing both concern for Patches' health and admiration for his charming appearance. Patches' journey towards a healthier life took an unexpected turn when a compassionate individual stepped forward to provide him with a loving forever home.

Kay Ford, Patches' new owner, was not deterred by the challenges that lay ahead. She was determined to help Patches shed those excess pounds and regain his vitality.

The transformation was not going to be easy. Carrying Patches' cage out of the building required assistance from a second person, highlighting the magnitude of his condition.

But Ford was undeterred. She made a promise to the world that she would document Patches' weight loss journey on social media, allowing his fans to follow along and offer their support.

Patches' Journey became a symbol of hope and inspiration. It served as a reminder of the importance of addressing pet obesity, which can have severe consequences for our beloved feline companions. Overfeeding, lack of exercise, and genetics can all contribute to weight issues in cats, and it is the responsibility of pet owners to take care of their pets' health.

Patches, a hefty feline weighing in at 40.3 pounds, is on a quest to find a new place to call home.

Patches had been living at the Richmond Animal Care and Control shelter located in Virginia.

Roly-poly

So charming

Thankfully, following the widespread circulation of Patches' photo, he found a new home quickly.

In their household, Patches lives with two other pets, a cat named Wellesley and a dog named Bella. Initially, Wellesley was cautious and kept his distance when Patches joined the family. However, after a few days, Wellesley warmed up to Patches, and now they are good friends. Bella, the 13-year-old Yorkie, was immediately welcoming and happy to have a new companion, as she is known to love everyone and everything.

New home

Adaptation

Patches' weight issue was not healthy for him, despite our love for chunky cats.

Patches, who needs to shed some extra pounds, has a weight loss plan shared by the new owner. It's essential to note that this plan may not be suitable for all pets, and consulting a veterinarian for a personalized approach is recommended, as emphasized by Kay.

Chilling time

New friends

Kay's plan for Patches includes dietary adjustments, playtime, and future electronic monitoring to ensure his well-being.

Kay, the new owner, outlined a detailed plan for Patches' care. She discussed his food preferences, emphasizing a wet food diet without gravy, a gradual transition to pate, and reduced kibble intake. Kay also mentioned Patches' eating habits, highlighting that he's not a voracious eater.

Regarding exercise, Kay acknowledged that cats don't follow strict exercise routines and mentioned playing with Patches multiple times a day. She noted that walking was kept minimal due to potential joint strain and mentioned the generosity of donors who provided a cat wheel and an inclined cat scratcher.

Additionally, Kay mentioned an upcoming electronic monitoring system for Patches' weight and nutrition, which would eliminate the need for weekly weigh-ins and reduce stress for Patches.

For those curious about Patches' journey, a Facebook page has been set up by his new owner, Kay Ford, to provide updates.

Inspired by Patches' weight loss journey, Kay created a Facebook page to share his progress with others, believing that people would appreciate knowing he was doing well. Over time, the page grew beyond her expectations.

Poser

Enjoys company

Best wishes to Patches on his weight loss

Kay's message emphasizes the importance of prioritizing pets' health and well-being

Time for relaxation

A short nap

Pet obesity is a growing problem, and it's our responsibility as pet owners to navigate the of our pets' health. Overfeeding, lack of exercise, and genetics can contribute to weight issues in cats and other animals, putting their lives at risk.

Let's not wait for our pets to reach a critical point like Patches before we take action. Instead, let's make informed choices about their diet, exercise, and overall well-being.

It's a commitment we owe to our furry companions, ensuring they live longer, healthier lives. Patches' journey should inspire us all to be more conscientious and proactive in caring for our pets so they, too can enjoy a life filled with love, vitality, and well-deserved happiness.

Damjan