In a hilarious yet heartwarming tale from Perm, Russia, an overweight cat named Kroshik (meaning “Crumbs” in Russian) attempted to escape his strict diet and exercise regime at a local pet centre.
The cat weighed nearly three stone (17 kilograms or 38 lbs). This ginger tabby made a daring escape from the Pet Diet Centre.
He was found stuck in a shoe rack, unable to squeeze through the bars.
A roly-poly overweight cat attempted to flee
An overweight cat, Kroshik, living in the basement of a hospital, was found by animal rescue workers. His journey to better health began soon after.
The plump feline had feasted on a steady diet of biscuits and soup, leading to his extreme weight gain.
His condition became so dire that the staff at Matroskin Shelter, where he was taken in, decided to place him on a rigorous diet and exercise program.
However, after just a week of strict dieting, Kroshik decided he’d had enough.
In a determined attempt to escape his new routine, he broke free from his enclosure, only to end up hilariously wedged in a shoe rack.
A photo from the scene shows the large tabby with his stomach pressed to the ground.
His face is squashed into a plastic surgery clog, clearly displeased with the outcome of his breakout.
Kroshik’s journey to rehabilitation with hope for weight loss
Despite Kroshik’s failed escape, rehabilitation specialists view his increasing activity as a positive sign.
Ekaterina Bedakova, one of the specialists at the centre, shared the amusing incident in a Telegram post, stating, “Kroshik caused a ruckus and escaped today. He’s already a very active guy.”
After being freed and receiving a portion of food, Kroshik seemed to mellow out and return to his diet.
The goal of Kroshik’s weight loss journey is to reduce his weight gradually.
Vets at Matroskin Shelter expect that with proper diet and exercise, he will lose between 70 to 150 grams per week.
Their aim is to bring him down to a healthier weight of around 10 lbs (approximately 4.5 kilograms). The struggles of obesity in pets
Kroshik’s extreme obesity is a rare case.
Vets noted that his condition was the result of being overfed by someone who loved him too much.
The reason Kroshik had difficulty walking was his excess weight, which caused mobility issues.
He was forced to undergo complicated medical procedures, such as ultrasounds, due to his thick layers of fat.
Kroshik was supported by water-based exercises to help ease the strain on his joints, as well as by rehabilitation efforts.
In one video, Kroshik can be seen reluctantly jogging on a treadmill in a water tank, which lessens the impact on his legs while providing the necessary workout.
His journey towards fitness is slow but steady, as the shelter staff remain dedicated to helping him regain his health.
Risks of obesity in cats
Obesity in cats, as in humans, carries significant health risks.
Additionally, overweight cats are more prone to conditions like diabetes, joint problems, and other health complications.
According to experts, the ideal weight for a healthy cat depends on the breed, but generally ranges between 4 to 4.5 kilograms (8.8 to 10 lbs).
One simple test veterinarians recommend is feeling your cat’s ribs: if you can’t feel them easily, your cat may be overweight.
While his escape attempt may have been a failure, the love and dedication of the shelter staff ensure that Kroshik’s future is bright.
Throughout, Kroshik’s story serves as both a cautionary tale about the dangers of overfeeding pets. It also shows the importance of proper pet care and balanced nutrition
Hoping that Kroshik’s future is bright—and healthier.
