Patches, the once 40-pound rescue cat, has made remarkable progress on his weight loss journey, shedding over 15 pounds in just one year after being adopted.
Patches’ remarkable weight transformation
The hefty feline first made headlines in April 2023 when he arrived at the Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC) weighing a staggering 40.3 pounds. RACC’s Facebook post in search of an adopter for Patches quickly went viral, catching the attention of Kay Ford, who was already considering adopting an overweight pet.
“I let them know that a special diet was nothing new to me. I had a Yorkie that was on chemo for three years and had a good quality life,” Ford told PEOPLE last year after adopting Patches.
RACC deemed Ford as the perfect fit for Patches, and the duo have been on an incredible transformation journey ever since. One year later, Patches has dropped down to 25.47 pounds, over 15 pounds lighter than when he first came into Ford’s care.
Ford has closely monitored Patches’ caloric intake and exercise regimen, helping him reach impressive milestones along the way. The cat, who once struggled to groom himself or jump up on the bed, can now routinely hop on the radiator cover and window perches to take in the views.
Patches the cat inspired thousands of pet owners with his weight loss story
“It just happened the way it was supposed to happen. He was able to achieve almost every milestone that he needed to achieve to become a real cat, not a Macy’s Day Parade balloon,” Ford says.
Patches’ weight loss journey has garnered a vast online following, with Ford’s Facebook page “Patches’ Journey” amassing over 47,000 followers from 78 countries. Eager fans eagerly await the weekly “Weigh-in Wednesdays” to see Patches’ progress.
As Patches continues on his path to a healthier weight, Ford advises other pet owners to approach their furry friend’s weight loss with “patience, diligence, and commitment.” She emphasizes the importance of developing a pet diet plan with a veterinarian and resisting the temptation to give in to begging for extra treats.
With Patches serving as an inspiration, Ford’s dedication to his well-being has transformed the once 40-pound rescue cat into a healthy, active, and joyful companion.
