Weighing in at 30 pounds, Tiny the Cat is making a big impression at the SPCA in Fredericton.
He arrived at the Fredericton SPCA two days before New Year's and workers say what he lacks in being lean, he makes up for in being cute. But his grand stature is a major concern.
Tiny is in dire need of a weight loss regimen and workers at the Fredericton SPCA say they are up for the challenge to help Tiny the Cat get back on track.
"At his initial health check, he weighed in at 30 pounds so we're quite shocked and concerned about his health," says SPCA worker Leeann Hagerty. "That extra weight puts a lot of stress on their joints, arthritis as well, and it's a risk factor for diabetes."
Workers hope to get Tiny on track to shed some of that extra weight at a slow but steady loss of roughly three-quarters of a pound every four weeks.
"He's being put on a canned low-calorie diet," says Hagerty. "It's almost like the Atkins Diet, or almost like the "catkins diet."
Another plump feline at the shelter named Pepper, who in comparison is a lightweight at 19 pounds, is also taking the challenge.
Together they are drawing attention to the Fredericton SPCA as the organization tracks Tiny's progress through a Facebook page. At the end of the challenge, the SPCA is hoping Tiny will find a nice home.
"He would be a great lap cat," said Elizabeth Hamilton who stopped into the SPCA Thursday. "He'd keep you warm."
Others pointed out that while he may make a good lap cat, holding him in your arms may be a little more tasking.
"Your back and your arms…you have to brace yourself," says worker Kaylea Smith.
Workers say they're not certain how Tiny could have gotten so big but they're hoping he will complete his weight loss challenge and be given a second chance to live large.
"We're trying not to speculate too much on his past and how he came to be here," says Hagerty. "We're trying to focus on his future, his plan to get healthy and his second chance at the good life."
With files from CTV Atlantic's Nick Moore
