Being a “fat cat” can be dangerous. That’s why cat lovers are working on helping them – including one “kitty fat camp” in Canada.
Before we get to the work being done at Big House Cats Sanctuary and Rehab, let’s get some background on the cat obesity situation. Research from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention has shown “alarming” rates of pet obesity in the U.S., with 61% of cats classified as at least overweight as of 2022.
“Feline obesity – generally viewed as body weight that is 20 percent or more above normal weight – is the most frequently observed nutritional disorder among domestic cats,” according to the Feline Health Center at Cornell University. “Its clinical signs are clearly apparent and, when observed, should be taken seriously and addressed without delay.”
Crumbs – once known then as the world’s chubbiest cat at around 38 pounds – provides a cautionary tale about feline obesity. He died in October 2024, according to a report from TMZ that cited sources in Russia, where the cat lived. Though he tried to escape from a kitty fat camp at least once, Crumbs did lose 7 pounds before he died, per the report.
It said that Crumbs reached his hefty size at a Russian pet hospital where he had access to human food like cookies and soup. An autopsy for the orange tabby showed that he had acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema, “a life-threatening condition resulting from the build-up of fluid in the lungs due to increased heart pressure,” and tumors were reportedly found on his organs.
At the weight loss clinic where Crumbs lost weight before he passed, the cat was reportedly put on a water treadmill. Getting exercise can be important for cats on a weight loss journey and to improve mobility, Kristine Seguin of Big House Cats said that shedding pounds really depends on the calories going in and out, just like humans.
At the sanctuary, they care for cats like Biggie Smalls, who was even chonkier than Crumbs at 43.2 pounds. These days, he’s down to around 25 pounds, Seguin recently told ABC News.
“Caring for Biggie and watching him transform through patience, love, and a structured weight-loss plan was nothing short of life-changing,” said the sanctuary. “His journey inspired us to close our old rescue and open The Big House Sanctuary and Rehab, a place dedicated entirely to cats like him: the ones who need a second chance, a safe space, and a path back to health.”
Their current residents include Maple, who is around 15-year-old. She came to the shelter weighing more than 22 pounds and is now closer to 18.4 pounds. Three were up for adoption as of Thursday, including a cat named Tuxie who was over 25 pounds but has been steadily losing weight. Success stories include the aptly named Lasagna, Big Mac and Cookie.
ABC News noted that cats on the chubbier side can have less luck getting adopted from shelters than other cats. That’s why it’s important for them to have a place like Big House Cats where they can land and get support.
“We help them lose weight, help them with their mobility and then help them find forever homes,” said Seguin.
So far, the sanctuary has already help cats lose a total of 40 pounds. Seguin said there has been a lot of support for the cats, and the sanctuary keeps their fans updated on their social media pages.
For anyone worried about their own chonky kitty or anyone who wants to help a hefty cat in need, Severn River Animal Hospital offers some feline weight loss tips as well.