A 17-kilogram cat named Crumbs, who previously made headlines for his hefty size, attempted a daring escape from a diet centre in Perm, Russia, on September 11. The feline, who had been put on a strict diet and exercise regimen to reduce his weight to a healthier 4.5kg, ended up getting stuck in a shoe rack during his escape attempt. Crumbs, also known by his Russian name Kroshik, was found with his face stuffed into a pair of blue slippers. Despite his apparent displeasure with the diet, experts remain optimistic about his progress.
Background
Crumbs was rescued from a Russian hospital where he had been fed a diet of crackers and soup by well-meaning staff, leading to his excessive weight gain. At 17kg, he was unable to walk, and vets struggled to perform an ultrasound due to his layers of fat. To help him shed the extra pounds, Crumbs was taken to a shelter and put on a special diet and exercise programme, which included hydrotherapy and kinesiotherapy. His tummy was even shaved to make drying easier after his aquatic sessions. Recent updates showed that Crumbs had reduced his weight to 15.4kg, although he seemed unhappy with his new lifestyle.
Tried to escape
On September 11, Crumbs made a bold attempt to flee the diet centre but ended up wedged into a shoe rack. Rehabilitation expert Ekaterina Bedakova, speaking to the New York Post, said, “Kroshik caused a ruckus and escaped today. He was extremely displeased when we found him disguised as slippers, but after a portion of food, he mellowed out.” Despite his dissatisfaction, Bedakova noted that Crumbs is already a very active cat, as reported by The Sun.
Rehabilitation efforts
Crumbs’s rehabilitation has been a meticulous process involving a combination of diet and exercise. The shelter has employed hydrotherapy, where Crumbs walks on an aquatic treadmill, and kinesiotherapy to help him lose weight. These methods aim to reduce his weight to a healthier 4.5kg. The shelter’s efforts have shown some success, with Crumbs’s weight dropping to 15.4kg. However, his recent escape attempt indicates that he may not be entirely happy with the regimen.
Future implications
The story of Crumbs highlights the challenges of pet obesity and the importance of proper diet and exercise for animals. While Crumbs’s journey is ongoing, his case serves as a reminder of the dedication required to help pets achieve a healthy weight. The shelter continues to monitor his progress and adjust his regimen as needed. Future updates on Crumbs’s weight loss journey will likely provide further insights into effective methods for managing pet obesity.
