If you think that the people working in a vet’s office ever get tired of seeing their patients, think again because one woman’s reaction to seeing a cat that weighs over 20 pounds has delighted the internet.
While it’s certainly cute to see a kitten that fits into the palm of her hand, what Hannah Harper really loves to see are the “fat cats” who are a struggle to pick up with two hands. In fact, one of Harper’s favorite patients is Beau, the 23lb cat who is the length of her entire torso when she picks him up.
Sometimes Beau can get a bit sassy when the staff at the vet’s office try to take his blood, but aside from that, Harper tells Newsweek he’s “otherwise a great patient.”
His owners are doing their best to help him lose weight, and there’s no doubt that Harper gets thoroughly excited every time he comes in. Indeed, she posted a clip in June to show “the best day” when Beau came in to be weighed, and it went viral on TikTok (@reprah_hannah).
Social media users can’t get enough of how excited she gets to see the chunky feline, and the clip has already gained over 10.4 million views and more than 1.3 million likes on TikTok.
Hannah Harper holding Beau the 23lb cat who came into her vet’s office. Harper loves chunky cats and can’t wait to get her hands on them every time they come into her workplace.
@reprah_hannah / TikTok
Harper told Newsweek: “His owners are working hard on his diet, and he’s even down half a pound since the video was posted.
“The reaction to the video on social media has been wild, and we’ve even had people call into the office to let us know they saw the TikTok and loved it.”
How Heavy Should a Cat Be?
According to the website PetMD, the ideal weight for a healthy cat is between 8-12 pounds, but it can vary depending on the cat’s size and muscle mass.
A healthy cat should only have a small amount of fat on their ribs, so when you rub a hand over their body, you can feel the ribs without searching through a thick layer of fat. They should also have a slight hourglass shape, with the abdomen tucking in slightly behind the rib cage.
Being overweight can lead to certain health problems with cats, including diabetes, urinary disease, arthritis, and a decreased life expectancy.
Of course, many cats just like Beau are carrying an extra pound or two, so there are ways that owners can help mitigate the risk of obesity. PetMD recommends that owners shouldn’t free feed kibble as this can lead to overeating. Additionally, it’s important to get cats moving regularly with play sessions and interactive toys and being cautious about giving them too many treats.
How Did TikTok React?
After Harper shared the clip of Beau the 23-pounder on TikTok, she has been amazed by the reaction it received. She even joked that she’s been recognized in public by people who loved her video.
“We even had a client call and request we fawn over her cat the same way, and I know the rest of the team gave him all the love,” she continued.
As much as Harper loves seeing Beau, he isn’t the only fat cat that comes into her work. She’s even delighted social media by sharing clips of other cats who are in need of a little more exercise, and internet users love her unquestionable reaction each time.
With over 9,700 comments on the viral video so far, many people have lauded Harper’s sheer excitement every time she sees a fat kitty. One comment reads: “this is how I would want the people at my vet’s office to react to my animal.”
Another TikToker responded: “Your joy over this is the most hilarious, genuine and wholesome thing I have seen in years…your personality is the best!”
While another person joked: “This is why I could never work at a vet’s office. I have no chill.”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
