Meet Axel, a 43-pound cat who was surrendered to a shelter after his owner fell ill and was unlikely to recover

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Christine, a foster with Ferdinand and Friends animal rescue, took Biggie (aka Axel) in, needing two people to transport him due to his size

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The cat’s size was overwhelming; he was friendly but had labored breathing and an overworking heart

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Despite his size, initial vet tests showed good blood work and only arthritis, with difficulty in assessing his organs due to excess fat

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Axel required a large litter box (an oil pan) and a bed as big as a dog’s. Finding a suitable scale was challenging so they eventually ended up using a baby scale

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Axel lost 7 pounds in the first 2 months as his diet was adjusted and he was monitored by veterinarians. The goal is to reduce his weight to 25 pounds within a year

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The cat’s health includes managing arthritis and maintaining a proper diet to support his heart and overall well-being

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He adapted well to his new home, enjoying play sessions and slowly adjusting to activities like jumping on the sofa

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Christine plans to include Axel in family activities, such as kayaking, and even bought him a life jacket for this purpose

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Aside from losing weight successfully, the kitty was also officially adopted, becoming a beloved member of the family and integrating well with Christine’s four children

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