Crumb, a 38-pound ginger cat, has a story that’s as big as his size. Rescued from a basement in Russia where he had been living on an unhealthy diet of crackers, soup, and meat, this chunky boy found himself at the Matroskin Center for rehabilitation. But the hefty feline had other plans—like making a daring escape from his weight-loss program! Let’s explore Crumb’s incredible journey, his comical escape attempt, and his road to recovery!
A Basement Life Gone Wrong

Before his rescue, Crumb was living in a basement at a hospital in Perm, Russia. His previous owners had abandoned him, and the hospital staff, in an attempt to care for him, fed him anything they had—crackers, soup, and meat. But what seemed like a kind gesture slowly turned Crumb into an immobile ball of fur. At a staggering 17 kilograms (38 pounds), Crumb could barely move, let alone walk. His weight had reached a dangerous level, and something had to be done.
Rescued Just in Time
Crumb’s story took a turn for the better when he was rescued and brought to the Matroskin Center. The team at the center immediately began planning his rehabilitation, which included physical exercises and a special diet. Crumb’s mission was to shed some serious pounds to avoid long-term health issues like diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. But little did they know, Crumb wasn’t going to make his recovery easy.
A Failed Escape Attempt

Life at the weight-loss center wasn’t exactly to Crumb’s liking. In fact, he wasn’t interested in losing weight at all. One day, while the staff thought everything was under control, Crumb made a break for it. Sneaking out of his enclosure, the big cat had dreams of freedom—perhaps in search of more crackers! However, his daring escape didn’t last long. He was found stuck between the bars of a shoe rack, his face pressed comically against a pair of blue slippers. Talk about an escape gone wrong!
Not Ready for the Weight-Loss Plan
Crumb’s failed escape attempt didn’t just make headlines; it also made people smile. Rehabilitation specialist Ekaterina Bedakova shared the humorous event on social media, saying that Crumb wasn’t quite ready to embrace his new, healthier lifestyle. “He caused a ruckus and escaped today,” she said, laughing. But after a meal, Crumb seemed to accept his fate—at least for the day.
Learning to Walk Again

Due to his extreme obesity, Crumb had been unable to walk for a long time. But thanks to the dedicated team at the Matroskin Center, he’s slowly regaining his strength. One of the key elements of his rehabilitation is teaching him to walk again. On September 6, the center shared a video of Crumb making his first steps on a water treadmill, also known a hydrotherapy. The sight of him waddling along brought hope that he was on the path to recovery.
Kinesiotherapy for Mobility
In addition to hydrotherapy, Crumb is undergoing kinesiotherapy—a form of physical therapy that focuses on movement. This treatment will help Crumb regain the ability to walk and eventually run like a normal cat. While he’s still far from chasing mice, the small victories he’s achieved in regaining mobility are a step in the right direction. The team is confident that, with time, Crumb will be able to live a more active and healthy life.
From Crumbs to Glory

Crumb’s journey is far from over. His rehabilitation will be a long process, but the team at the Matroskin Center is committed to seeing him through. With hydrotherapy, kinesiotherapy, and a proper diet, Crumb is expected to lose weight steadily and regain his ability to move freely. The center shares regular updates on his progress, and followers around the world are cheering for him as he makes small but significant strides toward a healthier future.
A Cat with a Big Personality
One thing’s for sure—Crumb’s personality is as big as his belly. Despite his weight struggles, he’s managed to capture the hearts of everyone at the rehabilitation center. His failed escape attempt may have been a flop, but it was also a sign that he’s becoming more active and playful. It’s a good indicator that Crumb is slowly coming back to life, both physically and mentally.
Cheering for Crumb
Crumb’s journey has gained attention from cat lovers all over the world. People are rooting for the chubby cat as he works his way toward a healthier life. Whether it’s his adorable face, his determined spirit, or his comical attempts to escape, there’s no doubt that Crumb has become a star in his own right. And while he may have been living off crumbs in a basement, his future is looking brighter and healthier by the day.
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