Patches, 40-Pound Cat, Embarks On New Journey With Adoption And Special Diet
Forty point three pounds of pure fluff, Patches the cat, is finally off the Richmond Animal Care and Control shelter floor and into real life. And yes, he’s the kind of chunky that makes you laugh at first, then worry a little when you realize the scale does not lie.
His new owner, Kay Ford, brought him home to a household with two roommates already in place: Wellesley the cautious cat and Bella, a 13-year-old Yorkie who basically acts like she’s been waiting for this moment. The twist is that Patches is not just learning a new home, he’s also working through a weight plan, plus the family is tracking his meals and progress with a whole new setup coming down the line.
It started with a viral photo, and now Patches is turning a quick adoption into a long, careful makeover.
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.
Kay Ford’s first big win was getting Patches out of the Richmond shelter, but the real drama started when Wellesley finally had to decide if this 40-pound newcomer belonged.
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 his 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.
Bella, the Yorkie who loves everyone, was instantly on board, while Patches quietly settled in and Kay started tweaking his wet food routine.
And just like Cleatus the chubby Chihuahua, who shed over half his 35lb to get back on his paws.
The complicated part is that Patches is not a speed-eater, so Kay’s plan focuses on smaller kibble, a gradual shift to pâté, and lots of play sessions instead of “just exercise him.”
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 pâté, 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.
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
And because weekly weigh-ins can stress him out, Kay is planning electronic monitoring for his weight and nutrition, so the updates can be smoother from here on out.
Pet obesity is a growing problem, and it's our responsibility as pet owners to navigate the health of our pets. 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.
Patches went viral for being adorable, now he’s chasing a future where he can be adorable and healthy at the same time.
Want more weight-loss drama? See how the “feline personal trainer” cat fought back.
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