Undeniably, chubby cats and cow cats are adored by many feline enthusiasts on the internet. When you combine these two feline favorites, it results in an irresistible combination. Meet Keith the Cat-Cow, a charming spotted cat all the way from the United Kingdom. Not only is he utterly adorable, but he has also demonstrated to his family that he has a big heart full of love and kindness. Keith’s cat mom shared on Instagram that they rescued him at six months old when he was malnourished, sick, and suffering from cat flu and gastrointestinal issues. As volunteers, they welcomed him into their home to offer him a better chance at life. Keith had a lively personality that made him the ideal companion for their daughter, who has autism. They quickly became inseparable, and Keith played with her when she was feeling lonely. In speaking with his cat mom, she agreed to let us share Keith’s story on our website, and we hope that it warms your heart.
May I inquire about the story of how Keith became a part of your life? In 2013, my daughter and I volunteered at a nearby feline rescue center where we met a small kitten who was brought in after being found wandering the streets. Sadly, the kitten was suffering from cat flu and gastrointestinal issues, likely caused by his search for food. Despite receiving treatment for roughly a month, his condition didn’t improve significantly. Nevertheless, my daughter, who is autistic, developed a deep connection with him. He would follow her around and even sit on her shoulders while she was working. Wanting to give him a chance to recover, we made the decision to bring him home. To ensure that our other cats remain safe, I had him secretly examined by a vet to rule out FIV and FeLV. The following day, which coincided with my daughter’s tenth birthday, we surprised her by bringing the six-month-old kitten home. At first named Spartacus since my daughter thought he had the heart of a warrior, we eventually changed his name to Keith, inspired by the humorous character Keith Lemon, because of his silly nature and ability to make us laugh.
I’ve noticed that Keith has recently lost some weight, and I’m curious about his journey to becoming a lighter cat. Keith has faced weight issues since he was just a year old, weighing in at a hefty 5.5 kg. The vet put him on a special diet, but he would eat excessively whenever we restricted his food intake. Even when we tried using a feeder to regulate his portions, his weight continued to rise. Keith used to wander outdoors, eating from bins and frequently getting sick, which only worsened his weight problems. We even made him an indoor cat after moving homes, hoping to stop him from scavenging, but this did not help with his weight loss. We have spent a significant amount of money on tests to figure out why he keeps gaining weight despite being active and hyper. His vet thinks that he may have a pituitary gland problem, but we do not want to risk an expensive MRI and anesthesia if there may not be a solution. Our primary focus now is to prevent Keith from gaining any more weight as he is inclined to steal food and eat too quickly. We are continually finding new ways to keep food out of his reach and slow down his eating.
Can you tell me a little bit about Keith’s personality?
Keith is a delightful person who has an uncanny ability to put a smile on everyone’s face. He has a playful sense of humor and an infectious joy that we find incredibly endearing. His affectionate nature is especially appreciated by my daughter who has autism, and their bond is truly special.
What are some of the things that Keith likes to do?
Keith has been a constant companion to my daughter since they first met, and he always makes sure to engage her in fun activities. As she has grown older, their interests have evolved, but Keith still loves spending time with her, especially when they are painting or solving puzzles.
Does Keith have any furry companions? (I’ve noticed that there are cats living with him, and I can even give you their social media links!)
Keith shares his home with three adorable cat sisters – Lily, Storm, and Maggie. Lily is a gentle 12-year-old feline who has undergone multiple surgeries, which left her deaf due to having no inner ears and a floppy ear. Storm, on the other hand, is a quirky seven-year-old British blue shorthair who rules over Keith, but he doesn’t seem to mind. Lastly, there’s ten-month-old Maggie, who’s full of energy and craziness, but Keith has been patient with her.
What makes Keith extraordinary is his intuitive sixth sense of knowing when someone needs him. He’s incredibly supportive and a great source of comfort for Charlie during rough times. He even senses when she’s feeling down and needs a cuddle. It’s fascinating to see him in action because his caring nature shows through, and he appears genuinely concerned when someone he loves is struggling.
