A chonky cat in Russia faced severe health issues after being overfed to the point of immobility. Kroshik, or Crumbs in English, weighed a staggering 17kg when he was rescued from a hospital basement by Matroskin Shelter. For context, the average domestic cat weighs around 4.5kg.
## Background
Crumbs had been living in the basement of a hospital in Perm, Russia, after being abandoned by his previous owners. The hospital staff, with good intentions, fed him a diet of crackers and soup. This led to Crumbs gaining so much weight that he struggled to walk. His obesity was so severe that veterinarians couldn’t perform an ultrasound on him because the sensors couldn’t penetrate his fat.
## A diet of crackers and soup
Matroskin Shelter revealed in an Instagram post on Aug. 30 that the tabby cat’s diet of crackers and soup contributed significantly to his weight gain. The shelter noted, “Crumbs had so much fat that the vet could not do an ultrasound on him as the sensors simply could not work.” To address this, a special diet and exercise regime was created for him.
## Special diet and exercise regime
To help Crumbs shed the excess weight, the shelter implemented a strict diet and exercise programme. A recent post by the shelter showed Crumbs participating in hydrotherapy and kinesiotherapy. The post highlighted his progress, showing him more mobile as he slowly moved across a water treadmill.
## Future implications
Crumbs’ story underscores the importance of proper pet nutrition and the potential consequences of overfeeding. The shelter’s efforts to rehabilitate Crumbs serve as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership. As Crumbs continues his journey towards a healthier weight, his story may inspire others to be more mindful of their pets’ dietary needs.
