When shelter workers at the Jefferson County Humane Society first met Big Bertha in late February, they were stunned.
Instead of the small, graceful cat they expected, they were faced with a feline who carried an extraordinary burden. At just over 21 pounds, Bertha’s body looked far too heavy for her short legs and delicate frame.
Her rescuers quickly realized that she wasn’t simply overweight — her health was in danger.
A Cat Too Heavy for the Scale
Normally, cats are weighed on a standard feline scale, but Bertha was so large that the staff had to use a dog scale to record her numbers.
For Brandi DeNoon-Damewood, who has spent more than a decade caring for shelter animals, Bertha’s case was unlike anything she had ever seen.
Many overweight cats had passed through her care, some even heavier than Bertha, but none had such a petite body struggling to bear the weight.
The staff knew they had to act immediately if Bertha was to have a chance at a better life.
Her journey began with a strict weight management plan, daily wound treatment, and gentle exercise.
Because she was unable to walk freely, the team used a supportive sling to help her move. It was slow and difficult work, but everyone at the shelter rallied behind her, determined to see Bertha healthier and happier.
The Story Behind Her Struggles
Bertha’s previous owner had surrendered her, admitting they could no longer keep up with her medical needs.
While no one could pinpoint exactly how she had become so overweight, her condition offered clues.
Veterinarians discovered that her mouth was filled with broken, infected, and loose teeth — the kind of dental pain that usually causes cats to lose weight. But Bertha had adapted in a way that worked against her.
Unable to chew solid food, she survived on soft meals she could swallow without effort. Over time, she began to eat more and more, relying on the comfort of a full belly to distract from her pain.
Her past likely played a role, too.
Shelter staff believed Bertha had once lived as a stray, fighting for scraps of food on the streets. That experience may have left her with deep memories of hunger and scarcity, pushing her to overeat whenever food was available.
Just as people can use food as emotional comfort, Bertha seemed to carry the same coping habit.
Dental surgery was one of the first major steps in her recovery. Removing the infected teeth gave her relief from constant discomfort.
But her challenges didn’t disappear overnight. She still had difficulty breathing, walking, and even resting comfortably.
On top of her physical struggles, Bertha was timid, often choosing silence and stillness over interaction. For the first few weeks, her world remained small and painful.
Yet something remarkable began to happen as the pounds slowly came off. Each ounce of weight seemed to peel away her fear. What was once a frightened and withdrawn cat began to reveal sparks of personality.
From Silence to Song: A New Chapter Begins
By the end of March, Bertha had shed nearly five pounds, reaching 16 pounds — a huge milestone in her journey.
With her body growing lighter, her spirit blossomed in ways that surprised everyone.
She became a talkative companion, calling out whenever she wanted attention. Shelter workers joked that she had likely learned to “shout” for company back when she couldn’t get up to greet anyone on her own. Her meows were no longer complaints of discomfort but rather requests for affection.
She sought out social interaction, played with more energy, and walked with greater ease.
In early April, Bertha’s story took another heartwarming turn. She was adopted into a forever home with an owner who promised to continue her care and celebrate every part of who she was.
No longer defined by her weight, Bertha now had the chance to live the life she deserved: safe, cherished, and supported.
The shelter staff who had fought for her recovery were overjoyed to see her leave with someone who understood her needs.
Her new family is committed to helping her stay on her health plan while giving her unconditional love. For Bertha, food no longer has to be the only comfort. She can now find joy in companionship, play, and the quiet peace of a home where she belongs.
Big Bertha’s journey reminds us that even the heaviest burdens can be lifted with patience, care, and kindness.
She entered the shelter too big for the cat scale — but left with a heart far bigger than anyone could measure.