Tiny the cat hits weight loss milestone - Action News
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New Brunswick

Tiny the cat hits weight loss milestone

Tiny the cat's epic weight loss journey hit an important milestone this week.

'Wonder cat' drops below 20 pounds

Tiny the cat dipped below the 20 pound mark this week. (Fredericton SPCA)

Tiny the cats epic weight loss journeyhit an important milestone this week.

About three times the size of an average cat in December when he was dropped with a thud at the Fredericton SPCA, Tiny once 30.2 poundshas now dipped below 20 pounds.

LeeAnn Haggerty, the director of education and training at the Fredericton SPCA, says Tinys weight loss has been a lot of hard work.

"When he came to the shelter, we knew this weight was a medical emergency, really that obesity in pets can be fatal, his weight was quite a concern," she said.

So he was taken to Dr. Nicole Jewett at Valley Veterinary Hospital to create a weight-loss plan at a foster home.

"His goal weight is 15 to 17 pounds," Haggerty said.

"Most healthy adult cats should weigh about 10 pounds. Tiny is a little bit bigger, he does have a big frame."

As Tiny has lost the weight, theimprovements in his quality of life have become apparent.

When he arrived, his coat and eyes were dull, and he lacked energyoften taking just a few steps before lying down, Haggerty said.

"You could tell he loved to play, he had that inner playful cat in him, but he could only take a few swats at a feather wand and then hed have to rest," she said.

Action cat

Tiny was 30.2 pounds when he was dropped off at the Fredericton SPCA in December. (SPCA)

Since losing about 10.6 pounds, Tiny has become quite active.

"He runs, he playsits amazing," she said.

Haggerty says though its easy to laugh atTiny's story, about 40 to 60 per cent of North American pets are overweight, and in cats, it can lead to diabetes, arthritis, organ issues and even death.

Those can result in large vet bills.

She said in Tinys case, he began to lose weight too quickly, likely from stress.

Now, the trim Tiny has his own clothing line, thanks to a Tiny supporter in Cape Breton, N.S.

Tartan fabric was sent to the SPCA, with which they make Tiny ties and sell them on Etsy.com to raise medical funds for animals.

So far, theyve raised about $5,700 since January through tie sales and donations.

When Tiny reaches his goal weight, the SPCA plans to throw a party.

It also looks like Tinys foster home will become his permanent home.

"Were just excited that hes going to be healthy and be in a great home and were looking forward to celebrating," Haggerty said.