Around this time last year, a cat named Patches captured hearts across the nation—not just for his cuteness but for his incredible size. Weighing in at a staggering 40.3 pounds, Patches quickly gained viral fame as “the largest cat anyone has ever seen.” But while his size made him a social media sensation, it also posed serious risks to his health. Now, one year later, the world is celebrating Patches again—this time for his incredible transformation.

It all began on April 19, 2023, when Richmond Animal Care and Control introduced Patches to the public. At 42 pounds when he was first surrendered, Patches was just shy of the record for the heaviest domestic cat. His plump physique, which the shelter affectionately referred to as his “gloriously gluttonous body,” drew thousands of admirers online. Photos of the fluffy feline lounging like a king quickly made the rounds on social media, turning him into an internet legend overnight.

But beneath the humor and affection, there was a serious concern. Patches’s excessive weight was putting his health in danger, making it clear that he needed to slim down. Recognizing this, the shelter placed him on a structured diet and exercise program and, most importantly, found him a committed new owner—Kay Ford—who was ready to guide Patches on his path to wellness.

Since then, Patches has been working hard to shed those extra pounds, and his journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Kay Ford, now the proud cat mom to Patches, began documenting his progress on a dedicated Facebook page called “Patches’ Journey.” The page has attracted thousands of followers who tune in each week for Wednesday weigh-ins and encouraging updates.

Ford explained why she felt it was important to keep the public updated: “Let them be a part of it; they want to know what’s going on.” She was right. Each new post brings waves of support, cheers, and shared experiences from fellow pet lovers who are rooting for Patches.

And their support has been well worth it. At his most recent weigh-in, Patches tipped the scale at just 25.47 pounds—an incredible weight loss milestone that has stunned fans and thrilled his caretakers. “He’s lost a whole cat!” Ford exclaimed. “It’s incredible, and he’s been an absolute trooper the entire time.”

Beyond the weight loss, Ford says the most rewarding part of this journey is seeing how much better Patches feels. “It’s obvious that he’s happier, more mobile, and playful now,” she shared in a recent Facebook post. Photos show a noticeably slimmer cat who now enjoys exploring his home and playing with toys—activities that were once too tiring for him to handle.

Ford also takes the time to offer advice for other cat owners who may be dealing with similar weight issues. Her top tips? Avoid free feeding and instead stick to scheduled meals, choose cat food with quality nutrition and controlled calories, and, most importantly, work closely with a veterinarian to craft a weight loss plan tailored to your pet’s specific needs. She emphasizes that this is not a one-size-fits-all situation and that a supportive partnership with a vet can make a big difference.

While Patches still has a little ways to go, his transformation is already remarkable. From a 42-pound internet curiosity to a thriving and much-loved feline, Patches is proof that with dedication, patience, and a lot of love, change is possible—even for the fluffiest among us.

His story isn’t just about shedding pounds; it’s about reclaiming health, vitality, and joy. Ford’s unwavering commitment and care have played a major role in Patches’s success, showing what a difference the right home and mindset can make for a pet in need.

As Patches continues to work toward his ideal weight, his fan base keeps growing, with more people inspired by his journey each day. Whether you’re a cat owner, an animal lover, or someone just looking for a feel-good story, Patches reminds us all that transformation begins with one small step—or paw—in the right direction.

If you’re as inspired as we are by Patches’s progress, be sure to follow his journey and share his story. Let’s spread the joy and celebrate this remarkable feline comeback.