In Indiana, an overweight cat named Ty is turning heads not just for his size but also for his unique way of getting fit.
Known as “Thicken Nugget,” this friendly orange tabby is taking to the water to slim down and improve his health.
Ty’s Weight Loss Challenge
When Ty arrived at the Vanderburgh Humane Society in January, he weighed an astonishing 30 pounds, twice the weight of an average male house cat.
Ty’s weight was causing strain on his joints and could potentially lead to spinal issues.
The staff, surprised by his weight, knew they needed to help him.
Swimming Into a Healthier Life
“A lot of people think it’s cute when it’s like that Garfield-type cat, but it’s not cute,” says Mackenzee McKittrick, a member of the shelter team. “Ty’s quality of life is affected at this point, so we want to give him a good quality of life, and we know that the adoptive home is going to adhere to his diet and exercise restrictions.”
The shelter chose an excellent exercise for Ty: swimming.
Thanks to donations, Ty could go to the Canine Aquatic Center for 30-minute swimming sessions twice a week.
Enjoying the Exercise
Although he was hesitant at first, Ty is now swimming by himself.
Videos and pictures shared online show him making progress and having fun in his life jacket.
Getting Healthier
“Definitely more mobile,” McKittrick told the news station. “He’s moving around the clinic now more, which is just going to expedite his weight loss.”
Seven weeks into swimming sessions, Ty has lost nearly 5 pounds.
He is still far from the goal of losing 15 pounds, but this is good progress.
The Goal for the Chubby Cat
The shelter’s goal for Ty is to help him lose weight until he’s ready for adoption.
They want to make sure he will go to a home that will take good care of him and keep him healthy.
Ty’s workouts aren’t just about losing pounds; they’re about ensuring he will live a long and healthy life with a family that loves him.
A Step Towards a Better Life
Every action we take to help our animal friends can lead to longer lives and better health for them.
We invest in their long lives by learning about their health, engaging them in play to keep their bodies strong, and providing care.
This commitment shows how deeply we care for animals.
