Here’s an update on Patches, the once 42-pound cat adopted from a shelter in Richmond, Virginia. We previously shared how owner-surrendered Patches, age 6, began a weight loss journey to go from “lovable honkin’ chonk to fit and fabulous feline.” His mini-me, Wellesley, age 2, looks just like him, and the two have remained inseparable.
Like Patches, Wellesley was a rescued kitty brought to his mama’s attention by her daughter. They look so much alike; is it a purrfect coincidence or fate? The cats live with Bella, the 13-year-old Yorkie, and many other critters in an animal-loving home in Fredericksburg.
Images and media via Facebook/Patches’ Journey
What’s Patches Doing Now?
On Facebook, Patches’ human Kay Ford has been sharing updates on his journey. She says caring for him has been a “total joy” that keeps her laughing.
The rotund feline and his mini-me have become a global sensation in seven weeks, with followers from over 60 countries.
Patches and Exercise Coach Wellesley
As we mentioned, cats must lose weight gradually for their health. So, Patches is gradually slimming down as required with a special diet of restricted calories. The diet is carefully planned by his veterinarian. Each kitty has unique health needs, so always consult a vet before you put your cat on a weight loss regimen. Their organs, particularly the liver, can be affected, so it’s a serious undertaking.
You can see the specific details of his diet on the page, but remember this one is custom for Patches. From the start, Wellesley has been encouraging him. The big kitty’s favorite activity is playing with his lil’ brother, helping him keep active and increase his mobility. He’s the best exercise coach he could possibly have!
Instead of treats, Patches gets attention and play, which he loves. Here he is with a favorite soft catnip stick toy in his favorite position and Ford’s favorite image.
Everyone is Thrilled with His Progress
So far, Patches’ vet, Dr. Meaghan from Wellesley Animal Hospital, is “thrilled” with his progress and watching out for any health issues along the way. The helpful vet previously inspired Wellesley’s name.
Ford says she is “blown away” by his progress as he has already become much more mobile in a few weeks.
“I am BLOWN AWAY by his progress. He is so determined…nothing is going to stop him. As he becomes more and more mobile I realize I am in for a ride! But it’s going to be fun in a new and different way than the fun we’re having now,” she shared.
With Dr. Meaghan from Wellesley Animal Hospital
When the kitty arrived home, he was over 40 pounds, but since then, he’s gradually gone down to over 36 pounds, a significant loss in seven weeks. Fortunately, he didn’t have serious health issues to contend with when he arrived at the Richmond shelter.
Ready to be Unleashed!
The honkin’ chonk recently appeared in the Washington Post as Ford discussed his weight-loss journey.
“He is a reserved cool dude who is just waiting to be set free from the confines of his girth,” Ford wrote of Patches. “I can’t wait for him to do zoomies with Wellesley!”
Ford thinks Patches is “incredibly proud of himself,” posing on the scale. One day, she hopes that Patches will be unleashed, and then he’ll probably be unstoppable.
“Patches stamina has improved immensely even though he is still technically an immense cat. So I tell myself to hold onto my seat for when he is even more svelte. I think I am in for a RIDE!” Ford wrote.
But for now, Patches is still a big boy and isn’t ready for certain things, like wearing a harness or sleeping in the bed.
“As the vet at Richmond Animal Care and Control said, ‘If Patches falls, gravity will not be kind.’ So, he does not sleep in the bed with me, but I can’t wait for him to be able to with confidence that he can get up and down himself safely. Yes he snores! Big time. I hope one day to record it,” Ford wrote.
With gradual steps each day, Patches and Wellesley will be ready to take over the world!
You can see more about Patches’ Journey on Facebook.
Storytime with Patches and Wellesley
When Patches’ story went viral, it caught a teacher’s attention, who made a fun lesson plan for her 2nd graders in Washington State. Since then, Ford has been sharing storytime featuring Patches and Wellesley. Ford reads the creative stories with illustrations the class has written. This big kitty and his family have become such an inspurration for so many people!
Hilariously, a student wrote a story about a cockroach attack, with Ford as the hero, saving Patches. The kitty seemed to react to the villainous insect in the story (see video below).
“Story time with Patches and Kay. Attack of the Cockroach by Jacob, Mrs. Zornes’ 2nd-grade class. This is my story time ‘let’s do it in the moment’ I just saw a cockroach look!”
