While New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg wages a war on sugary drinks, an animal shelter downtown is waging another war for health—that of 9-year old male cat Sponge Bob.

Now thought to be the fattest feline in the world, Sponge Bob arrived at shelter Animal Haven weighing 33 pounds. The former holder of the heavyweight title, 39-pound Meow, died last month of respiratory complications.

But Animal Haven Associate Director Kendra Mara assured the Sun that he's already lost three pounds on a special diet.

Despite his girth, volunteer Sumeet Shah told Business Insider that Sponge Bob is "an extremely happy cat, loves to be pet and play with his toys, a big mushball."

He's also up for immediate adoption. The shelter is hoping they can find the cat new owners who will help Sponge Bob stick to his diet plan.

The shelter encourages anyone interested in adopting Sponge Bob or volunteering at the shelter to visit its website.

Check out a video about Sponge Bob's diet plan from The Sun: