Axel, the hefty feline known as the ‘sumo wrestler’ cat, found himself tipping the scales at a whopping 43 pounds. This extreme weight led to his surrender at a shelter, as it far exceeded the typical eight-pound range for most cats, and even surpassed the 13 pounds seen in larger breeds.
Thankfully, Axel’s luck changed when he was rescued by Ferdinand and Friends, an organization devoted to helping animals in need. Under the care of director Christina, Axel began his journey to shed the pounds that were taking a toll on his health. His weight had caused him to develop arthritis, requiring special equipment like oversized scales to accommodate his size.
Despite these obstacles, Axel has made remarkable progress on his weight loss journey. Now, he goes by the stage name Biggie Smalls on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where he has garnered attention and support from followers.
Christina, who now cares for Axel, hopes that his story will inspire and provide hope to others struggling with overweight pets. Axel’s Instagram page serves as a valuable resource, offering a comprehensive guide to help transform obese cats into healthier and happier animals.
For more updates and adorable photos of Axel, check out his Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook pages. Get to know the story of Axel, a 43-pound cat who found a second chance at a better life after being surrendered to a shelter when his owner fell ill.
Photo courtesy of axel.biggiesmalls
Christine, a volunteer at Ferdinand and Friends animal rescue, welcomed Biggie (also known as Axel) into her care. His size required a team of two to transport him comfortably to his new temporary home.
Photo courtesy of axel.biggiesmalls
The cat was quite large, yet very friendly. However, he seemed to be struggling with his breathing and had a heart that was working overtime.
Photo credit: axel.biggiesmalls
Even though he was a big boy, the first veterinary exams revealed that his blood work was normal and he only had arthritis. However, his organs were a bit tricky to evaluate because of his extra fluffiness.
Credit for the image goes to axel.biggiesmalls.
Photo credit: axel.biggiesmalls
Axel needed a spacious litter box, opting for an oil pan, and a bed that rivaled the size of a dog’s. It was tough to find the right size, but after some searching, they settled on using a baby scale.
Photo courtesy of axel.biggiesmalls
Photo by axel.biggiesmalls on Instagram. In just 2 months, Axel shed 7 pounds thanks to a tweaked diet and regular check-ins with the vet. The aim? Get him down to 25 pounds by this time next year.
Credit for the image goes to axel.biggiesmalls.
Credit for the image goes to axel.biggiesmalls. Taking care of a cat’s health involves addressing arthritis and ensuring they have a balanced diet to keep their heart and overall health in check.
Credit for the image goes to axel.biggiesmalls.
Photo courtesy of axel.biggiesmalls
He settled nicely into his new surroundings, relishing playtime and gradually getting the hang of leaping onto the couch.
Photo courtesy of axel.biggiesmalls
Christine is excited to involve Axel in their family outings, like kayaking, and she even got him a life jacket so he can join in on the fun safely.
Photo courtesy of axel.biggiesmalls
In addition to achieving her weight loss goal, the adorable cat was also formally accepted into the household, quickly becoming a cherished part of the family and fitting in seamlessly with Christine’s four kids.
Image courtesy of axel.biggiesmalls
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