The Only Sanctuary for Severely Overweight Cats
The Big House Sanctuary & Rehab in Ottawa is the world’s only rescue dedicated entirely to severely overweight cats. It was founded after one cat, Biggie Smalls, arrived weighing 43.2 pounds and suffering from arthritis and dental disease.
How the Sanctuary Works
The sanctuary creates a customized care plan for each cat based on medical needs, mobility, and long-term goals. It focuses on feeding the correct number of calories for each individual cat while creating opportunities to move in ways that suit their abilities. When extra support is needed, rehabilitation therapies such as underwater treadmills, laser therapy, and massage help improve strength and mobility while easing pain associated with arthritis or surgery. Every program is developed in close partnership with the sanctuary’s veterinary team to ensure weight loss happens safely and gradually.
Extending Care Beyond the Sanctuary
The team works alongside shelters, rescues, foster homes, and pet owners, providing advice, equipment, and support to help overweight cats receive the care they need before they reach crisis point. By sharing each cat’s journey online, they also encourage small lifestyle changes that can make a lifetime of difference.
Key takeaways
- The Big House currently cares for between eight and fifteen cats at a time.
- The sanctuary recently celebrated more than 130 pounds of weight lost across the cats in its care in just a year and a half.
- The sanctuary’s veterinary team ensures weight loss happens safely and gradually.
- Rehabilitation therapies help improve strength and mobility while easing pain.
- The sanctuary works with shelters, rescues, foster homes, and pet owners to provide advice and support.
- Small lifestyle changes can make a lifetime of difference for overweight cats.
Ready to bring a cat or kitten home? Browse adoptable cats and kittens on Petfinnly.
Originally reported by Catster. Read the full article.