A Cat That Was Heavier Than A Toddler Began Weight Loss Journey, Finally Looks Like A Normal Cat

Weight loss journeys are never easy; they require patience and time. The same goes for cats. In fact, around 60% of house cats are overweight, and some reach extreme levels where serious intervention is needed.

Biggie Smalls, an orange cat, came to the shelter weighing an incredible 43 pounds. Luckily, Kristine took him in and was determined to help him. Over one year of hard work later, Biggie now weighs 28 pounds. Still on his journey, Biggie has become a source of inspiration: he motivated Kristine to start a sanctuary and rehabilitation center dedicated to helping the world’s most overweight cats.

Today, they have three “chonks” in total, with Biggie proudly serving as the ambassador for the cause.

More info: Instagram | thebighousecats.com

Meet Biggie Smalls, an extremely overweight orange cat who embarked on an inspiring weight-loss journey

Overweight cat with orange and white fur lying on patterned rug, looking up.

Image credits: thebighousesanctuary

Bored Panda reached out to Kristine, who shared more bits and pieces related to Biggie’s story.

First of all, she told us about his name. “We named him Biggie Smalls. Partly because he was big and we wanted him to get small, but also, I was raised on ’90s rap and the real Biggie Smalls was an icon.”

Biggie arrived at a shelter with little to no information about his past. The only thing that was immediately obvious was his massive weight: 43.2 pounds

Overweight cat being held by a person in a striped shirt in a bright room.

Image credits: thebighousesanctuary

We were wondering if they knew anything about Biggie’s life before the shelter, to which Kristine replied: “Unfortunately we do not, just that he lost his owner in some capacity and the family members had surrendered him. The shelter went to the home to transport him.”

Overweight cat on floor next to feline chart, looking surprised.

Image credits: thebighousesanctuary

Kristine, his new human mom — and now the founder of The Big House, a cat rescue that provides rehabilitation for overweight cats — took him in and dedicated herself to helping him lose weight

Woman holding a cat that used to be overweight, both appearing content and healthy.

Image credits: thebighousesanctuary

Woman holding a large cat in a veterinary clinic, showcasing his weight transformation.

Image credits: thebighousesanctuary

When Biggie first arrived, he was so large that he couldn’t groom himself. But little by little, as he began losing weight, he regained the ability to care for his fur

Overweight cat eating from a bowl, surrounded by a litter box and toys, illustrating weight loss journey.

Image credits: thebighousesanctuary

Overweight cat sits on rug, looking at yellow toy, appearing more like a normal cat now.

Image credits: thebighousesanctuary

Overweight cat lounging in funny poses labeled "Alien Invasion," "EF5 Tornado," "House Fire," "Snack Bag Opens.

Image credits: thebighousesanctuary

As he slimmed down, Biggie also started moving more, and his mischievous side began to emerge

Two cats on a wooden floor, with one slightly overweight, next to a blanket and shelves, illustrating cat weight transformation.

Image credits: thebighousesanctuary

In regards to his emotional and physical state nowadays, Kristine shared: “He is doing fantastic! He’s down 15lbs already and has about another 8-10lbs to go. Physically, he’s doing great. He still struggles with mobility and some pain due to arthritis likely caused by excess weight for so many years, but he can now groom, do some regular cat things, and he is more determined than ever. He’s finally exhibiting that orange cat energy and doing what he wants, haha.

Mentally, he’s confident, sassy and determined. A huge difference from the meek and mild kitty we first met.”

Feeling hungry due to his calorie-restricted diet, he started stealing food from cabinets and other cats. Kristine even had to install child locks to keep him from sneaking snacks!

Two overweight cats on a pink rug, one eating from a yellow puzzle feeder.

Image credits: thebighousesanctuary

Spilled instant noodles on wood and carpet floor.

Image credits: thebighousesanctuary

By the time Biggie reached 32 pounds, he was more energized and playful. Kristine set up a fun agility course to help him stay active and engaged

Overweight cat relaxing indoors, surrounded by toys and a playful target backdrop.

Image credits: thebighousesanctuary

Nowadays, Biggie can call The Big House his permanent home, as Krisitine shared that they officially adopted him last year. “He is a wonderful part of our family. He is also the sanctuary ambassador, making the other cats feel comfortable.”

Indoor setup for cat exercise featuring agility equipment and a cat tree.

Image credits: thebighousesanctuary

Overweight cat now looking normal, sits near cones on a rug in a cozy room with another cat.

Image credits: thebighousesanctuary

As Kristine shared Biggie’s progress online, she began receiving messages from other cat owners seeking advice about their overweight pets

Cat in water therapy with a person, illustrating its weight loss journey from incredibly overweight to normal weight.

Image credits: thebighousesanctuary

We also wanted to know what the public response has been like since his story started gaining attention.

Kristine wrote: “First outrage, I think because of his size, but now really supportive. A fat camp for cats is what many call us. We get contacted daily with owners needing support or advice for their overweight pet. He is empowering others to want to help their cats get healthy too! With over 60% of domestic cats overweight, we are so glad we can disrupt the chonky cat culture a little bit and put a positive turn on it.

We are also learning about more cats who need our help that are in the shelter system, and to be able to help them too means the world. Biggie’s really shown us anything is possible and they deserve a chance too.”

Overweight cat wearing sunglasses, receiving treatment, transitioning to a normal weight.

Image credits: thebighousesanctuary

This overwhelming response inspired her to start The Big House, a sanctuary where overweight cats are rehabilitated and given a second chance at adoption

Two people smiling with paintings of a formerly overweight cat lifting weights.

Image credits: thebighousesanctuary

Overweight cat with medical toys, now healthier and looking normal, sitting on a couch.

Image credits: thebighousesanctuary

Now weighing in at 28 pounds, Biggie serves as an ambassador for the sanctuary, inspiring both humans and cats alike

Overweight cat celebrates Gotcha Day with a special meal, looking healthy and normal.

Image credits: thebighousesanctuary

Having lost 15 pounds — the equivalent of a full-sized cat — he is nearing the end of his incredible journey

Overweight cat now slimmer at 27 pounds, sitting on a digital scale with a carrot toy in view.

Image credits: thebighousesanctuary

Cat under a leafy blanket, holding a remote, representing weight loss from 43 pounds to looking normal.

Image credits: thebighousesanctuary

Most importantly, Biggie’s story has inspired Kristine to continue raising awareness about feline obesity and to help more cats live healthier, happier lives

Overweight cat transformation: before and after weight loss, held by a person in a white coat.

Image credits: thebighousesanctuary

A woman in blue scrubs holding an overweight cat, highlighting its size transformation.

Image credits: thebighousesanctuary

Overweight cat lounging by a window, now looking healthy and normal.

Image credits: thebighousesanctuary

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