Philadelphia-based Morris Animal Refuge posts adoptable cats to their social media accounts every week, but they never imagined one post in particular—that of an extremely adorable but curvy cat—would garner so much attention. The chonky cat in question, BeeJay, now nicknamed Mr. B, is a sweet Tabby cat that weighs a hefty 26 pounds. Despite earning the title of “Chonkiest cat around” (Chonky being an internet term to describe chubby but cute cats), Mr. B isn’t overweight but just naturally large in size.
His posts went viral almost instantly, generating so much interest and traffic to the refuge’s website that it crashed. They received over 3,000 adoption applications and inquiries, but after a vet exam determined Mr. B had “underlying health and behavioral issues,” the shelter decided to pair him with one of their dedicated foster families experienced with the care of more challenging cats. Mr. B is now happily in his loving foster home and the plan is that it will become his forever home as long as he adjusts to life with his new kitty siblings. Despite being in a new home, Mr. B isn’t shying away from the spotlight and now has his own Instagram account, @chonkymrb, to showcase his adventures outside of the shelter as a chonky cat.
If you were among those interested in adopting Mr. B, don’t worry! Morris Animal Refuge has plenty of other sweet cats in need of forever homes so be sure to visit morrisanimalrefuge.org to find your match.—Alice Sewell