Axel has lost 4.5 kg (10 lb.) since February.

An Ottawa cat named Axel Biggie Smalls has captured the hearts of social media users as he embarks on a weight loss journey. Rescued by Kristine Seguin earlier this year, Axel skyrocketed to social media fame as Seguin documented her efforts to help the hefty feline regain his health and slim down from his original weight of 19.5 kg (43 lb).

“He was 43 pounds when we took him in… so he was four times the size of the average cat,” Seguin says in conversation with CTV News Ottawa. “Our goal is not only weight loss, but being a cat; getting to jump on things, getting to enjoy things. I mean, he’s only seven years old. He still has a lot of time left in his life. And we want to make sure he gets to enjoy that.”

Axel’s journey to a healthier lifestyle has captivated a global audience through regular social media updates. With over 2.6 million likes and 128,000 followers on TikTok, Seguin hopes to use Axel’s story to raise awareness about pet obesity.

Since February, Axel has lost 4.5 kg (10 lb).