This Obese Cat Tried to Escape Its Diet and Got Stuck in a Shoe Rack
Crumbs is not just any cat. Staff at a hospital in Perm, Russia, got to know him after finding him living downstairs, and their kindness quickly turned into a problem. They shared bits of cookies and soup during long shifts, believing they were helping him. Instead, all those small treats added up and Crumbs grew far beyond a healthy size.
He ballooned to about 37.47 pounds, roughly 17kg, which is close to the weight of a typical four-year-old child. Most house cats should weigh around 10 pounds, so Crumbs was nearly four times that. He grew so heavy that he could not walk, and that led to his rescue. The Matroskin Shelter stepped in, saying it was rare to see a cat loved to such an extreme that it harmed his health.
Workers moved him to their facility and set up a plan that involved controlled feeding and actual workouts. They used a water tank with a treadmill so his joints had less strain. His belly was shaved to help him dry faster after aquatic exercise sessions. The goal was straightforward: to help Crumbs become mobile again and lose weight gradually. People started following his progress online and cheering each small improvement.
The Escape That Went Wrong
Crumbs decided he was not interested in staying on track. One day, he caused enough noise to get attention, slipped out of his area, and tried to flee. His attempt did not go far. Staff later found him stuck between the metal bars of a shoe rack with his face planted into bright blue Crocs. A rehabilitation expert posted the photo and said Crumbs seemed downright insulted at getting caught pretending to be slippers. The photo made the rounds, and people could not stop laughing. His expression said it all. He looked annoyed, trapped, and full of regret.
The interesting part is that the shelter did not see this as only a funny moment. They said it showed progress. When Crumbs first arrived, he could not walk. Now he was mobile enough to wander, squeeze, and test limits. After someone offered him a small portion of food, he mellowed out and accepted help getting free. The team called him active, even if his choice of adventure was questionable.
Life at Fat Camp and What Comes Next
Crumbs has become a favorite online. People love a story that mixes humor with hope, and his journey offers both. Vets expect him to lose between 70 and 50 grams each week if he stays consistent. The shelter reported that within days, his weight dropped to 15.4kg, which shows the routine is working. His target weight is around 4.5kg, so he has a long way to go, but he is trending in the right direction. He is moving more, reacting to exercise, and showing personality again.
There is something relatable about a pet trying to sneak out of healthy habits. Crumbs did not choose his size. People gave him snacks, and he said yes every time. Now he is getting a second chance. His fans are watching, laughing, and rooting for him. The shelter says they will keep supporting him until he reaches a safer size and can live like an average cat. If determination could be measured, Crumbs might already be halfway there.