When staff at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region opened their doors one chilly December morning, they didn’t expect the sight that greeted them.
A man stood at the front desk holding a carrier that looked far too heavy for one cat.
Inside sat a mountain of white fur and round cheeks — a cat so large that everyone stopped what they were doing to stare.
A Gentle Giant Arrives At The Shelter
His name was Disco. Beneath all that fluff was a body weighing nearly 30 pounds — double what most cats his size should be.
His previous family had loved him dearly, but their habit of keeping a full bowl of food out at all times had slowly turned their affectionate pet into a feline who could barely waddle.
Shelter staff knew right away that this gentle soul would need more than a new home. He needed a second chance at health.
“Free-feeding can seem harmless,” said one of the team members, “but for Disco, it meant he could eat as much as he wanted, whenever he wanted — and he definitely took advantage of it.”
The Friendliest Cat In The Room
From the moment Disco stepped out of his carrier, he seemed to know he was among friends.
He rubbed against legs, purred like a little motor, and leaned into every gentle hand that reached out to pet him. His bright blue eyes shone with curiosity and gratitude.
@humanesocietypikespeak What can we say! We like them big. We like them plumpy! #cat #catsoftiktok #catsoftiktok #animalsoftiktok #animals #sheltercat ♬ original sound – Birdies
“He’s the kind of cat who makes you smile just by looking at him,” one volunteer said, laughing as Disco rolled onto his back for belly rubs.
Despite his size, he moved with surprising grace and seemed more interested in affection than food. Within hours, he had won over the entire staff.
Disco’s purrs echoed through the shelter halls as if to say, “I’m happy to be here.” He greeted new people with slow blinks and nudges of his head, charming everyone who passed by.
Even dogs walking through the hallway didn’t faze him — he simply blinked and continued lounging like the king he was.
It didn’t take long for everyone to realize that this chubby cat wasn’t just another surrender; he was a shelter celebrity in the making.
A New Chapter Of Love And Care
Because of his extra weight, Disco was placed in a foster home where a family could carefully manage his meals and give him the daily playtime he needed.
They introduced him to a special diet and gentle exercises — chasing feather wands, climbing soft steps, and exploring one room at a time.
@humanesocietypikespeak When Disco first came to us, he was morbidly obese, and his prognosis was guarded. To give him the best chance, we placed him with a foster who could help him safely lose weight. He had lost 5 lbs. in 3 months, but last week he stopped eating. His blood work indicated he had fatty liver disease. We could tell he was suffering and made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize. We are heartbroken. Thank you for your love for Disco. To read more about pet weight loss, click the link in our bio.
♬ Hope in a classic piano classic song sadness – RYOpianoforte
At first, he tired easily. But soon, Disco began to show signs of energy that no one had seen before.
He started grooming himself more, stretching longer, and trotting toward his foster parents when they called his name.
Every little milestone — from jumping onto the couch to chasing a toy mouse — felt like a celebration.
His foster family often sends updates to the shelter, sharing photos of Disco lounging contentedly or snoozing with a paw over his face.
“He’s such a sweetheart,” they said. “He loves everyone — kids, cats, even the family dog. He just wants to be near people.”
@humanesocietypikespeak DISCO UPDATE! Disco is loving the attention. We are so appreciative of all the love you have sent this chunky boy and excited to see progress in his weight loss journey! Wait until the end for a special suprise! 👀 #disco #discocat #cat #catsoftiktok #sheltercat #humanesociety #animalwelfare #animalshelter #fyp ♬ Cat Sitting-JP – imilly
Once his weight reaches a healthy level, Disco will be ready to find his forever home. The shelter knows that the right family is out there — one that will continue his care plan while giving him all the love he craves.
Whoever adopts him won’t just be getting a cat. They’ll be welcoming a gentle, grateful companion who reminds everyone that every animal deserves patience, care, and a second chance.
Disco’s journey isn’t just about losing pounds. It’s about gaining the freedom to live, play, and love without limits.
And as the shelter staff often say when they check on his progress, “He’s already halfway there — because his heart is as big as his body.