Without a doubt, cat enthusiasts on the internet are drawn to big and chubby cats, but they also have a soft spot for cats with cow-like markings. When you combine these two beloved traits, you get an irresistibly cute feline, just like Keith the Cat-Cow from the United Kingdom. Keith, who is now nine years old, has not only proven to be adorable but also loving and compassionate towards his family. His owner, who refers to herself as his “cat mom,” shared on Instagram that they rescued Keith when he was a sickly and undernourished six-month-old kitten. Despite his health issues, Keith had an energetic and playful personality. He quickly became the best friend and constant companion of his cat mom’s daughter, who has autism and struggled with social interactions. I got in touch with Keith’s owner to feature his heartwarming story, and she was more than happy to oblige. Prepare to be smitten by this extraordinary feline.
Can you share the story of how Keith became a member of your family? In 2013, my daughter and I were actively involved in volunteering at a local cat rescue center. One day, a small kitten was brought in after being discovered on the streets. Unfortunately, he was in poor health, suffering from cat flu and gastrointestinal issues likely caused by unsanitary living conditions. Despite receiving treatment for almost a month, the kitten showed no signs of improvement. However, my daughter, who is on the autism spectrum, instantly fell in love with him. He would follow her around and even climb onto her shoulders while she worked. Concerned for his well-being, I decided to bring him home in hopes of giving him a chance to survive. I didn’t mention to my daughter that I had taken him to the vet for testing, as I was worried about potential illnesses like FIV and FeLV that could affect our other cats. Coincidentally, the next day was Charlie’s birthday, so she assumed we were going to the shelter to bring something, but instead, we went to the vet to pick up the six-month-old kitten.
As for his name, initially Charlie named him ‘Spartacus’ because she thought he was a warrior. However, as his playful and silly personality emerged, the name didn’t quite fit. So, we decided to rename him Keith. Charlie chose the name after the comedian Keith Lemon, as our furry friend brought us endless laughter.
I’ve noticed a significant change in Keith’s appearance recently – it seems like he has managed to shed some pounds! I’d love to share with you the journey he went through to achieve this impressive weight loss.
Keith has been battling with his weight for quite some time now. Believe it or not, this struggle began when he was just a wee one-year-old kitty, weighing 5.5kg. To address this issue, he was put on a strict veterinary diet from an early age. However, Keith’s unyielding appetite proved to be a challenge as he continued to indulge in excessively large meals. Whenever we attempted to impose food restrictions, poor Keith would become stressed and even fall ill. Adding to this predicament, he would venture outside and rummage through bins in search of additional food, which only worsened his condition.
Attempting to tackle this weight issue head-on, we transitioned Keith to an indoor lifestyle. Alas, despite our efforts, his weight continued to skyrocket, leaving us completely perplexed. Countless tests were conducted, and the vet hypothesized that Keith might be dealing with a pituitary gland problem. Unfortunately, the potential risks associated with exposing him to an MRI and anesthesia were deemed too high, leaving us at a standstill.
Now our main focus is preventing any further weight gain. We have implemented strict measures to keep food out of Keith’s reach and have introduced techniques to slow down his eating. Although these changes have not been without their challenges, it is imperative for Keith’s wellbeing that he maintains a healthy weight.
But fear not, Keith remains an active and lively cat! We are constantly brainstorming inventive ideas to aid him in his quest to maintain his newfound healthier physique.
