Kristine never expected her life to change so dramatically when she first saw Axel’s profile on a rescue group’s page.
This extremely overweight kitty weighed in at a staggering 43 pounds – he was in desperate need of help.
As an experienced rescuer with a knack for feline weight loss, Kristine knew she had to step in.
When Axel first arrived at Kristine’s home, the reality of his condition hit hard. It took two people to carry his carrier, and her family was shocked by his size.
Despite his struggles to breathe and move, Axel’s sweet nature shone through immediately.
Kristine set him up in the bathroom, a small space where he could easily access everything he needed.
The first visit to the vet revealed both good and bad news. Surprisingly, Axel wasn’t diabetic, but he did have inflammation in his blood work.
The vet warned Kristine that Axel’s prognosis was guarded – his future uncertain. This only strengthened Kristine’s resolve to give Axel the best possible chance at a healthier life.
Kristine and her family embarked on a weight loss journey with Axel, treating it with the seriousness of a human diet plan.
They switched him to a high-protein, low-calorie food and meticulously counted his calories using an app.
The results were encouraging – Axel began losing weight rapidly, indicating that overfeeding had likely been the root of his obesity.
However, this path wasn’t without its challenges. Axel initially lost weight too quickly, a dangerous situation for a cat of his size.
Kristine had to fine-tune his diet plan, balancing calorie intake with gentle exercise. She cleverly incorporated food into various activities, using puzzle feeders and toys to motivate Axel to move more.
Slowly but surely, Axel’s world began to expand. From the confines of the bathroom, he ventured into the bedroom, then the living room.
Stairs posed a significant challenge, but Axel’s determination matched Kristine’s dedication. It took months before he could climb back up the stairs, but each small victory was celebrated.
As the pounds melted away, Axel’s personality blossomed. Kristine affectionately nicknamed him “Biggie Smalls,” and marveled at his joyful, silly nature.
He seemed to have an old soul, bringing light and laughter to everyone he met.
“He’s just a bundle of joy and fun, and we couldn’t be happier to have him as part of our family and be on this journey with him.”
His progress was remarkable – soon, he could jump on the sofa and climb into Kristine’s bed, actions that were once impossible.
The weight loss journey wasn’t always smooth sailing. There were weeks of setbacks where Axel would gain a little weight, but Kristine remained persistent.
She likened the experience to dealing with an angry toddler, requiring patience and unwavering commitment.
Kristine’s love for Axel shone through in every aspect of his care. She saw beyond his physical limitations to the wonderful cat beneath.
His animated personality and ability to “joke” around endeared him not only to Kristine’s family but to everyone who met him.
As Axel’s mobility improved, Kristine looked for new ways to aid his progress. Plans for water treadmill therapy with a physical trainer were in the works, aiming to help with joint issues resulting from years of carrying excess weight.
Kristine found Axel’s journey both inspiring and relatable. She jokes about gaining all the weight Axel had lost, highlighting the stress and worry that comes with caring for a morbidly obese pet.
Yet, she remains committed to Axel’s health, even considering joining him on his weigh-in Fridays as motivation for her own health journey.
Through sharing Axel’s story, Kristine hopes to raise awareness about the growing issue of pet obesity. With 60% of domestic pets being overweight, she encounters similar cases frequently in her rescue work.
“It kind of breaks my heart because these people are wonderful pet owners, I’m sure,” shared Kristine with We Love Cats and Kittens.
“They just don’t realise that they’re harming their cats and by doing this significantly shortening their lives.”
Kristine’s ultimate goal is to inspire other pet owners to take action. She wants to encourage them to try weight loss strategies at home or reach out to their veterinarians without fear of judgment.
In her eyes, every pet deserves the chance Axel has been given – the opportunity to live a healthier, happier life.
As Axel continues to make progress, Kristine remains cautiously optimistic about his future.
She cherishes every moment spent with her “biggie bear,” hoping that their hard work will lead to many more years together.
Through love, dedication, and a hefty dose of patience, Kristine and Axel are proving that even the most daunting weight loss challenges can be overcome, one step – or paw – at a time.
Check out the video below:
A big heartfelt thank you to Kristine for sharing Axel’s journey with us.
You can see more of Axel on Instagram
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