Tiny the fat cat holds St. 'Pawddy's' fundraiser

Tiny the cat, Fredericton’s famous flabby feline, will be holding a fundraiser for his weight-loss challenge medical fund at the local SPCA on St. "Pawddy’s" Day Saturday.

Tiny became an online sensation earlier this year after news spread that the Fredericton SPCA had put him on a diet.

He was considered morbidly obese, weighing in at just over 30 pounds — about three times the size of an average cat and the largest cat ever seen at the local SPCA.

In the past couple of months, Tiny has lost six pounds, according to executive director Margot Bird.

And he’s raised about $2,200 in donations for the fund, which is being used to pay for Tiny's special diet food, which costs about $5 per day, his veterinary bills and medical procedures.

The money is also being used to help other special-needs animals at the SPCA with expenses, such as surgeries.

The current fundraising goal is $4,900 by March 28.

On Saturday, Tiny and his "furiends" will be holding a meet-and-greet at the SPCA.

"Pawtographs" of the popular grey-haired cat with green eyes will be available for a minimum donation of $5 toward the fund.

The event will be held at 165 Hilton Rd. between noon and 2 p.m.

Obesity is a risk factor for feline diabetes, breathing problems and arthritis.

Tiny was dropped off at the shelter in a taped-up cardboard box with another cat on Dec. 30.