When it comes to water, this fatso's no pussy.


In fact, you wouldn't think he's a cat at all. Buddha, who weighed 31.4 pounds when his human died, quickly got used to his water treadmill[1] at Stonewater Animal Rehabilitation in Franklin, Tennessee, WKRN reports. He used to weigh more than two healthy cats, but with a strict diet and 21 minutes a day on his weightlifting treadmill, he's lost nearly 5 pounds.



"One might think that a cat in water is cruel, how could you do that? But it really has made a huge difference in his health. It's been fantastic," Volunteer Penny Adams told the station.


The cat experts at The Cat Shoppe in Nashville -- who took Buddha in after his owner died -- believe he's obese because he was used to eating people food, including pasta and rice. That's bad for kitty.


When he began his rehabilitation, he wasn't too fond of the water (don't take it from us, watch this video[2] ). By his sixth visit, he was practically frolicking on the treadmill. The submerged machine, which is usually used on fat dogs, helps Buddha carry some of his weight and relieves encumbered joints.


His goal is 20 pounds, at which point he'll be put up for adoption. In the meantime, The Cat Shoppe is chronicling his progress on its Facebook page[3] . Volunteers report that he's healthier and happier than ever!


Does this look like a sad cat to you?

buddha cat




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  • Fifi is 107% overweight


    Fat cat Fifi Bottomley (8), was found nearly starved to death as a kitten before being taken in by her current owner. Her difficult start in life left her with a tendency to gorge herself at any opportunity. The greedy feline would steal food from other cats, even directly from people's plate's, and despite all attempts to help her, she continued to pile on the pounds.




  • Mini Moo is 94% overweight


    Mega moggy Mini Moo, from Basildon, is undergoing a complete diet overhaul thanks to the vets and nurses at Basildon PDSA PetAid hospital. Mini Moo will eat anything she can get her paws on, from Wotsits to cheese and even butter!
    And she regularly steals the other cats' food, making it difficult for Sharon to judge just how much food the colossal cat is putting away!




  • Bailey is 80% overweight


    Sweet treats and extra portions have been the dietary downfall of Bailey, a rather round Border Collie from Wishaw in Glasgow.




  • Billy is 93% overweight


    Black-and- white tom cat Billie (10) was nominated for the fat fighting competition by his retired owners. Billie loves his food and always had a bigger and unhealthier appetite than his housemate Bobby, who recently passed away. Devouring his own meals he also had no problem helping himself from Bobby's bowl too!




  • Billy is 34% overweight


    Billy, a cuddly Cocker spaniel with a passion for food, food and more food, has been selected to slim down and shape-up with help from staff at the PDSA PetAid hospital in East Glasgow. Billy started piling on the pounds about two years ago and developed a problem climbing the stairs. He was getting very exhausted after a walk so his owners cut down his extra portions and treats right away but the weight stayed on




  • Ottis is 41% overweight


    Ottis, an overweight Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from Edinburgh, who eats everything in sight and has even been known to steal food from the bin.




  • Bobby is 49% overweight


    Flabby rabbit Bobby, from Richmond in North Yorkshire. Bobby has gradually piled on the pounds over the last few years until her owner noticed that her large dewlap (the fold under her chin) was making it difficult for Bobby to groom herself properly.




  • Casper is 91% overweight


    Sneaky food thief Casper the cat, from Stockbridge, Edinburgh. Over the years, the pounds piled on, despite the owner trying her hardest to help him lose weight.




  • Jack is 105% overweight


    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Jack (7) was rehomed earlier this year by his current owner, and is undergoing a complete life transformation




  • Dexter is 90% overweight


    Podgy pooch Dexter, from Cheshire, weight problems began after he was neutered and he soon piled on the pounds.




  • Maverick is 85% overweight


    Mighty cat Maverick, from Leith, Edinburgh, is the biggest cat ever seen by PDSA Vets in Edinburgh.




  • Alfie is 22% overweight


    Big Alfie, from Strood, Kent, the weight problems began after he started limping at the age of three. He suffers from both arthritis and hip dysplasia and the excess weight he is carrying is adding to his misery




  • Merlin is 111% overweight


    Merlin's weight problems began after he was neutered and his extra bulk is causing him mobility problems and he has developed arthritis.




  • Molly is 64% overweight


    Rotund Rottweiler Molly, from Barnsley, the weight problems started when the pair began serving Molly their food leftovers and visitors couldn't resist giving her a treat from the jar when they popped round.




  • Skippy is 45% overweight


    Spoilt Springer Spaniel Skippy weight problems began after he was neutered and his greedy appetite does not help matters.