Owner Puts Cat on Diet—Then Petcam Shows What He’s Secretly Doing

A cat’s dedication to mealtime, even during a nap, has captured the internet’s attention. A video shared on Reddit shows an orange cat, Sancho, falling asleep while waiting for his automatically dispensed food, and his reaction upon waking is proving widely amusing.

A Diet-Driven Routine

Sancho, a 3-year-old British shorthair, is currently on a veterinarian-recommended diet due to being 7.5 to 8 kilograms (16.5 to 17.5 pounds)—a weight considered high for his breed. His owner, who remains anonymous, began using an automatic food dispenser with a built-in camera to monitor portions while away at work. The video shows Sancho comfortably positioned in front of the dispenser, dozing off as he anticipates his meal.

Did You Know? British shorthair cats are prone to chronic joint pain, and maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for their quality of life.

A Surprising Wake-Up Call

As the dispenser released Sancho’s kibble, the sound startled him awake. The video shows his initial confusion quickly turning to delight as he recognised his food. Before digging in, he briefly looked toward his owner, seemingly seeking permission. The clip has resonated with viewers, garnering over 35,000 upvotes and 340 comments on Reddit.

Expert Insight: The use of technology, like automatic feeders with cameras, highlights a growing trend in pet care—leveraging tools to proactively manage animal health and well-being, particularly when owners have demanding schedules. This approach allows for consistent monitoring and intervention, potentially improving long-term health outcomes.

The Broader Context of Feline Weight Management

According to the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, approximately 60 percent of cats are overweight. This can lead to a range of health problems, including diabetes, urinary disease, and osteoarthritis. Veterinarians often prescribe specialized diets to help overweight cats safely lose weight while ensuring they receive adequate nutrition. Sancho’s owner also provides vitamins to support his joint, skin, and fur health, and reports that Sancho sometimes “throws a tantrum” when hungry, but remains committed to the diet plan as advised by his vet.

If Sancho continues to follow his diet, he may experience improved mobility and a reduced risk of weight-related health issues. His owner could continue to share updates on his progress, potentially inspiring other pet owners facing similar challenges. It is also possible that Sancho will adjust to the feeding schedule and become less focused on anticipating meal times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What breed is the cat in the video?

The cat in the video is a British shorthair.

Why was the cat put on a diet?

The cat, Sancho, was put on a diet by his veterinarian due to being overweight, which can exacerbate joint pain common in his breed.

How did the owner monitor Sancho’s food intake?

The owner used an automatic food dispenser with a built-in camera to monitor Sancho’s portions while away from home.

Does your pet have a unique personality trait that always brings a smile to your face?