Meet Symba, a 35-pound cat who has finally
found a forever home.
The 6-year-old cat has found a new home after a short stay in Washington D.C. with the Humane Rescue Alliance. Symba’s original owner had just moved into an assisted living center and was not able to bring his pet with him.
After arriving at the HRA, Symba was given some tests due to his obesity. The large feline was given a regular checkup and a special blood glucose test. Luckily, everything came back normal, giving Symba more time to focus on his weight.
Ideally, the cat would be living a better life if he could lose around 15 pounds. Currently, the feline has an “
increased risk of health complications” and has trouble walking due to his weight.
While Symba was staying at the HRA, the staff put him on a restricted diet and simple workout regime. The staff also documented his progress in a
blog on their website for users to follow along.
The giant tomcat now eats two-thirds of a cup of food every 12 hours in a “food puzzle.” The puzzle is designed to slow down Symba’s eating habits, leaving him with a full stomach. The cat is also taking short walks on a “cat wheel” similar to a hamster wheel.
According to the
Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, the average cat should weigh around 8 to 10 pounds.
The HRA wanted to make sure that the family who took Symba home could also help him lose the extra pounds. Thankfully, they found the perfect match.
“
Symba’s new adopters are dedicated to getting him healthy by continuing on his current diet and exercise plan, and most importantly giving him the love and care he deserves so he can thrive long term,” the Humane Rescue Alliance wrote on Facebook.
