Obese cat named Cinderblock breaks internet with reaction to underwater treadmill

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A 25-pound cat in Washington named Cinderblock has gone viral after her priceless reaction to exercising was captured on video.

>> Read more trending news

Staff at Northshore Veterinary Hospital in Bellingham have been caring for the cat, nicknamed Cinder for short, after the 8-year-old gray cat was relinquished by her owner. The owner was overwhelmed with caring for her father, who has dementia, medical director and veterinarian Brita Kiffney told CNN. The woman's father had been overfeeding Cinder, causing her to gain excess weight.

In addition to a prescription diet, Northshore staff placed Cinder on an underwater treadmill to help with her arthritis, People reported. Cinder is carrying approximately 10 pounds of extra weight, causing her mobility to be restricted.

But Cinder was not impressed by the exercise machine. In a video clip, Cinder can be seen reluctantly moving a single paw on the treadmill platform, while crankily meowing in response to staff offering words of encouragement.

Commenters said they could relate to Cinder's lack of enthusiasm for exercise and offered their support.

In an update, Cinder can be seen working out on the underwater treadmill again, this time with a bit less protest.

Cinder also seems to be enjoying her newfound fame.

Kiffney told CNN that she hopes Cinderblock's weight loss journey will raise awareness of the issue of pet obesity.

Cox Media Group