By Kevin Smith
The internet’s cat lovers have a soft spot for chonky cats and cow-patterned felines, but when you combine these two favorites, you get something truly special. Meet Keith, the Cat-Cow from the UK, whose charm is as irresistible as his unique appearance.
At nine years old, Keith has proven to be not just cute but also loving and kind-hearted. His journey to becoming a beloved family member began when his cat mom rescued him as a sick and malnourished six-month-old kitten. Despite his rough start, Keith’s playful and fun-loving personality quickly shone through.
Keith became the best friend and constant companion of his cat mom’s daughter, who has autism and struggled to make friends. Their bond was immediate and deep, and Keith’s presence has been a source of comfort and joy. I reached out to Keith’s cat mom to share his heartwarming story, and she was thrilled to oblige. Get ready to fall in love with this remarkable feline.
How Keith Found His Forever Home
In 2013, my daughter and I were actively volunteering at a local cat rescue center. One day, a tiny kitten was brought in after being found on the streets. Sadly, he was in poor condition, suffering from cat flu and gastrointestinal issues, likely due to his unsanitary living conditions.
Despite receiving treatment for nearly a month, the kitten showed no signs of improvement. However, my daughter, who is on the autism spectrum, immediately bonded with him. He would follow her around and climb onto her shoulders while she worked.
Concerned for his well-being, I decided to give him a chance by taking him home. I didn’t tell my daughter about the vet tests I had arranged due to concerns about FIV and FeLV, which could affect our other cats. Coincidentally, it was Charlie’s birthday the following day. She thought we were bringing something to the shelter, but instead, we went to the vet and picked up our new kitten.
Initially, Charlie named him ‘Spartacus,’ believing he was a warrior. However, his playful and goofy nature didn’t quite fit the name, so we renamed him Keith. Charlie chose the name after comedian Keith Lemon, as our furry friend brought endless laughter to our lives.
Keith’s Weight Loss Journey
Keith has struggled with his weight for some time. At just one year old, he weighed 5.5kg and was put on a strict veterinary diet. Despite this, he continued to eat excessively, leading to weight gain. When we tried to limit his food intake, he became stressed and fell ill. He even used to scavenge for food outside, which only worsened his condition.
Even after transitioning to an indoor lifestyle, Keith’s weight continued to rise. Despite numerous expensive tests, his vet suspects a pituitary gland issue, but the risks of an MRI and anesthesia are too high. Our main goal now is to prevent further weight gain by managing his diet and finding new ways to keep him active. Keith remains an energetic cat, and we’re constantly coming up with creative solutions to help him maintain a healthy weight.
Keith’s story is a testament to resilience and love. His journey from a sickly kitten to a cherished family member is nothing short of inspiring.
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