A woman from Ontario, Canada, has shared her surprising experience as her adopted kitten transformed into a hefty cat over several months. Carly Thomas, a 29-year-old social media content creator, introduced her cat, named Sprout, to her followers, initially depicting him as a small, 1.5-pound ball of fur. In a viral Instagram post, the first image showcases Sprout as a tiny kitten with striking blue eyes, while the second reveals him as a substantial fluffball, weighing in at 11 pounds just seven months later.
In her post, Thomas reflected on her expectations versus reality, stating, “He’s so cute and tiny, I don’t think he’ll get that big!” She added, “Seven months later… I brought home a tiny 1.5lbs kitten at the start of May 2025, and now it’s January 2026, and he’s 11lbs and a whole CHONK OF A CAT. His first birthday isn’t until February 14th!”
Understanding the Siberian Breed
Siberian cats, known for their impressive size and fluffy coats, typically weigh between 8 to 18 pounds and measure 17 to 25 inches in length. According to Catster, this breed originates from Russia and is celebrated for its sturdy build, social nature, and adaptability. While Siberian cats are not the largest domestic breed, they fall comfortably between medium and giant sizes. Other larger breeds include Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats, while the British Shorthair shares a similar weight but is longer.
Thomas explained that Sprout’s rapid growth caught her by surprise. Initially weighing around 2 pounds at just 11 weeks old, he quickly grew into a “giant fluffball,” now nearing 12 pounds. She humorously remarked, “Did I bring home a kitten or a dog? He was SUCH A CUTE LITTLE KITTEN. Don’t get me wrong, he’s still adorable, but I just want to go back in time and squish the cuteness out of that little guy!”
A Viral Sensation
The Instagram video featuring Sprout has gained significant traction online, amassing over 2.1 million views and 109,000 likes. Many users chimed in with lighthearted comments, with one user, Rambothepuppy, jokingly suggesting, “I’m pretty sure he might be a large baby in a cat suit.” Another user, Freyja_siberian, commented on the typical growth pattern of Siberian cats, predicting, “He will get bigger in a few more years.”
Siberian cats are often appreciated for their affectionate personalities and hypoallergenic qualities, making them suitable as family pets. As Sprout continues to grow, Thomas remains grateful for the joy he brings, illustrating the unpredictable nature of pet ownership and the delightful surprises that come with nurturing a growing animal.
For anyone with amusing or heartwarming pet stories, Newsweek invites submissions for its Pet of the Week feature at [email protected], encouraging pet owners to share their memorable experiences.
