Cat Named Patches Who Went Viral for Being 'Chonky' Shows Off Amazing Weight Loss
As a pet parent of my own chonky cat, I'm always trying to help her lose a few pounds so she can live a long, healthy life. One feline we can all look to for inspiration is Patches, from Virginia, who found Internet fame for being a very large kitty. 42 pounds in fact.
Now Patches has lost close to half his body weight, all thanks to the love and care of his adopted mom Kay Ford.
Ford spoke to WSMV and said, “It’s very easy to give into the begging,” Ford said. “But if they know that you’re not going to give in, they stop, or at least Patches is like that.”
Don't I know it! It's really hard when you have other cats in your home who are at a normal weight and you can give them the occasional treat but then you feel guilty when your big cat can't have any. Extra affection to the cat on a diet can help with that. Also, lots of active playtime.
Related: Colorado Shelter Cat Seeks Loving Forever Person to Help with His Weight Loss Journey
Ford also stated that her goal is to help Patches slim down another six pounds from his current weight of 16 pounds. “His first goal was to get to 20 pounds,” Ford said. “It’s been amazing. He has consistently lost weight every single week.”
We think Patches was beautiful at every size, but he's a lot healthier now after dropping the pounds.
How To Help Your Cat Lose Weight
First of all, consult with your veterinarian to make sure there are no underlying health reasons for why your cat has gained weight. If your cat has just been indulging in too many treats, here are some ways you can help your fat feline slim down.
One thing you can do is switch your cat's food to a high-quality, veterinarian-recommended weight management or prescription diet. You should also ask your vet about serving sizes and measure your cat's food portions carefully to ensure they are not overeating. And limit those treats!
Play with your cat more, including active play like with a cat dancer or a feather wand. You can also try a laser pointer or pulling a toy on a string. Try and get in ten to 15 minutes of play each day.
The exact time it will take your pet to lose weight will depend on how much weight your cat has to lose and how much exercise he/she receives. As a guideline, cats can safely lose about 1.5 percent of their body weight per week until they are at their desired weight, but consult with your veterinarian.
For those of us wanting to drop a few pounds, Patches can be our inspiration. He's totally ready for swimsuit season!
If you would like to follow Patches' incredible journey, you can follow his Facebook page here.
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