Formerly 40-pound Cat Patches Faces Medical Setback

Patches' weight loss journey captivated thousands, but now he's dealing with a potential back injury or arthritis that's causing him pain and behavioral changes.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 5:43am

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Patches, a formerly 42-pound cat whose remarkable weight loss journey captivated over 54,000 Facebook followers, is now facing a new challenge. His owner, Kay Ford, suspects Patches may have a back injury or arthritis that is causing him pain and leading to uncharacteristic behavior like hissing. Ford has started Patches on anti-inflammatory medication and gabapentin, and has confined him to a bedroom to minimize further injury as they work to determine the underlying cause of his condition.

Why it matters

Patches' story highlights the growing trend in pet healthcare towards preventative and proactive care, emphasizing the importance of nutrition and early intervention to address obesity and related health issues. Even after successful weight management, pets can still develop age-related or injury-related conditions requiring ongoing attention and monitoring.

The details

When Patches was first adopted from Richmond Animal Care and Control nearly three years ago, he weighed 42 pounds and was described as a 'steamroller' due to his habit of breaking Ford's pantry door to access food. With a strict diet and exercise plan, Patches was able to lose significant weight, reaching a milestone of 20 pounds in late July and recently weighing in at 18.48 pounds seven weeks ago. However, Ford now suspects Patches may be dealing with a back injury or arthritis, as he has started exhibiting pain-related behaviors like hissing, which is unusual for the formerly large cat.

  • Patches was adopted from Richmond Animal Care and Control nearly three years ago, in late April 2023.
  • Patches reached a milestone of 20 pounds in late July.
  • Patches recently weighed in at 18.48 pounds seven weeks ago.

The players

Patches

A cat whose remarkable weight loss journey captivated over 54,000 followers on Facebook.

Kay Ford

Patches' owner, who has implemented a strict diet and exercise plan to help him lose weight.

Richmond Animal Care and Control

The animal shelter where Patches was adopted from nearly three years ago.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

Ford has begun treatment with anti-inflammatory medication and gabapentin, and has confined Patches to a bedroom with a ramp to his favorite sleeping spot to minimize further injury.

The takeaway

Patches' story underscores the importance of ongoing veterinary care and monitoring, even after successful weight management. As pets age, they become more susceptible to various health problems, and early detection is key to providing prompt treatment and improving their quality of life.