Andrew the cat is a forward-thinking individual. While all the humans at the sanctuary are just starting to talk about the upcoming Best Friends 25th anniversary, he shakes his head and wonders why the world can’t plan as far in advance as he does. After all, he’s been working on an anniversary tribute for years now. Problem is, all that careful planning may go down the tubes.

His goal was simple: Gobble up all the food he could. Easy to do in a group setting. So, part one didn’t take a whole lot of scheming. Part two: Move as little as possible. An ace up his sleeve right there. Andrew doesn’t feel he needs to see much of the world. He was built for observation. Stick him in a corner and he’s happy to stare up at the butterflies and daydream about his next meal. If he could follow these two simple tasks, year after year, he figured that by the time Best Friends hit the Big 25, so would he … in pounds!

Then things went very, very wrong. After being on track for so long, his plans started to unravel just as he was approaching the coveted 20-pound mark. All at once, some of the food bowls started appearing higher up in the room … up on shelves he had long since sworn off visiting for fear of burning too many precious calories.

His weight gain program was in jeopardy, but Andrew felt he could compensate with even less movement. Alas, nobody seems to appreciate a true visionary when they see one. Not long ago, a caregiver fitted him with a harness and started taking him on walks outside. Dedicated to his ideals, Andrew tries hard to make the exercise as non-beneficial as possible. He takes long, frequent breaks every 10 feet or so. He occasionally drops his belly through the sand to tire out the caregiver at the other end of the leash.

But all in all, it may not be enough. He might just be losing weight. Andrew can’t say for sure anymore that he’ll be able to obtain his goal. If not, however, he wants everybody to know he was in this for the long haul. His heart was in the right place! He was just thwarted by his caregivers, looking after his health.

Story by David Dickson
Photo by Gary Kalpakoff

You can visit Andrew, and hundreds more Best Friends animals hoping to be adopted on the Adorable Adoptables site.

November 15, 2008 : 6:45 PM ET
posted by: marys

This photo of Andrew is absolutely adorable! Get moving big boy!

November 15, 2008 : 3:00 AM ET
posted by: Norma R

LOL. I have a young cat who "blossomed" to 18.9 lbs within about five months of being spayed. However, she, like Andrew, truly enjoyed eating! We referred to her as "The Walrus." She was so fat that when she lay on her side her hind leg stuck up in the air! Of course I took her to the vet to make sure there was no medical reason for her obesity. He put her on r/d, 1/4 cup twice a day. Within a week she had energy and was moving at a normal pace. I was advised to expect to keep her on this diet for 6 to 8 months, and I am happy to do so. She has actually started running to chase ribbons that I pull along. Obesity is very serious and affects not only the quality of life of an animal, but also shortens their life expectancy. I am very happy you are working with Andrew to get him healthy!

November 14, 2008 : 7:38 PM ET
posted by: hippychick

I used to have a "Fatso" who kind of looked like a flounder when he flopped. He really wasn't that overweight but he was REALLY round when he spread out!!

November 14, 2008 : 4:07 PM ET
posted by: skya

Andrew the Rasta!!! I can't stop laughing!!

Andrew, I've always had a soft spot for the big boys, human and feline, but not when they get so big that it affects their health!!! After losing Loomie, we want you to slim down and have a long and happy life!

BIG love from Maryland! >^..^<

November 14, 2008 : 3:06 PM ET
posted by: babs1171

GREAT PHOTO! I love the dreds and hat....FUNNY FUNNY. I have a cat who, when I first got him, went down the same road. In fact, we had changed his name from George to Chubb Chubb! At some point, though, of his own accord, he quit gobbling up everything in sight and lost weight. Now he's still called Chubb Chubb but he is a "mere shell of his former self"! Loved the article about him taking frequent breaks on his walks.....sounds like me. Hang in there guy, I don't like exercise either and diet is just Die with a T added to the end! Cute post and an awesome cat!

November 14, 2008 : 10:20 AM ET
posted by: CZIMMER671

I have a black and white, who has had MAJOR urinary issues, but not a problem being overweight. I guess these "spotted" boys are just "special."

Thank you Engled974. I will go read more about feline nutrition, both for healthy weight and urinary disorders. Let's keep these kids healthy!

November 14, 2008 : 6:43 AM ET
posted by: Engled974

Anyone, especially those with an overweight cat, will benefit from the wisdom of the feline nutrition expert, Dr. Lisa A. Pierson’s "Feeding Your Cat: Know the Basics of Feline Nutrition." You can read it at www.catinfo.org.

November 14, 2008 : 12:46 AM ET
posted by: jloreine

Wow- My big fat boy hit 25 pounds and eventually did die from complications from diabetes. What is it about those white kitties with the splotches? Kudos to you for figuring out what might work. In my case, we tried everything and eventually had to deal with twice a day insulin injections.

Good luck to everyone.

November 13, 2008 : 11:30 PM ET
posted by: BarbWilliamson

Since Andrew was one of the 114 cats Best Friends won custody of in August 2007 during the Great Kitty Rescue and was a victim of hoarding, I think he just had to make sure he got enough to eat.

But watching him slim down under the care of his employees and visitors to Cat HQ, it looks like he's finally figured out the bad days are over.

He is a love and a half, and it will be a very lucky family indeed that gets to give him his last name.

Wouldn't it be great if he could be home for the holidays? But watch those second helpings, Andrew!

Cat Adoption Team can be reached at catadoption@bestfriends.org.

November 13, 2008 : 9:13 PM ET
posted by: lostsock

Alex, Tuxedo's, which is what this big boy Andrew looks like, DO get quite large and are susceptible to urinary crystals, so keep an eye on your kids weights. And WHAT A GREAT IDEA Best Friends had in putting Andrew's food dishes higher--never thought of that one. I've got a big Bombay that just hit 18lbs and we're trying to get him to lose to defend against diabetes, so we put him at the base of the staircase and coax him up with a small (very small) treat, then he goes tearing back down and we do it again. Cheers to Andrew! LOVE THE HAT! Lost Sock Portland, OR

November 11, 2008 : 2:40 PM ET
posted by: alex

Aw Andrew, you're adorable - no ladies can resist a burly guy like you! Just a side, I have noticed that b/w boy cats tend toward weight issues...Andrew here, sweet Loomis, my friend's kitty and that big kitty rescued from NJ...all big boys with black and white markings...any correlation I wonder? Anyway, I send a big hug for Andrew. :-)

November 11, 2008 : 10:08 AM ET
posted by: thejuber

A handsome and dapper boy!