New owner LaTisha struggles to hold King Leo (Picture: Barcroft USA)

One of the world’s fattest cats has had a haircut and started hitting the treadmill in an attempt to turn his life around.

The cat, aptly named King Leo, was found on the side of the road in Nashville, Tennessee weighing 23lbs (that’s the same weight as a bowling ball) and with severely matted hair.

The ten-year-old cat was taken to Cat Shoppe Rescue where he received care, before being adopted by veterinary technician, LaTisha Lampley who gave him a trim and is working on reducing his weight.

LaTisha said of the massive moggy: ‘He is the biggest cat of his size frame with that much weight on him that I’ve seen.’


Feeling the burn! (Picture: Barcroft USA)

When King Leo was first found his hair was matted and had to be cut (Picture: Barcroft USA)

Needless to say, he was less than thrilled about his new look (Picture: Barcroft USA)

King Leo’s health is now being monitored, and he is going through a physical therapy regime that includes water treadmill sessions.



‘As soon as we put him in the water, he started walking on the treadmill like he had been doing it for days – I was impressed,’ said LaTisha.

He even got a fancy new jumper to keep him warm after his haircut (Picture: Barcroft USA)

King Leo must have fallen on some tough times before he was found, and animal rescue workers believe his unhealthy weight was a form of abuse by his old owners, however LaTisha insists he is a happy cat.

‘King Leo is a wonderful, fun loving cat – he is ready to play, and loves to roll over and have his belly rubbed,’ she said.

Like all cats, he still loves a belly rub (Picture: Barcroft USA)