One way to look at it: There’s just more of this cat to love.

A cat turned in to the county animal shelter in Phoenix on Wednesday caused a bit of a squeeze on space.

Jack, a 2-year-old domestic shorthair, weighs 30 pounds.

An affectionate ‘cool cat’

Maricopa County Animal Care and Control said Jack is “friendly, sweet and just a cool cat.”

From the moment his cage was opened, Jack walked up to the edge and put his head on a reporter’s hand. He showed a constant need for petting and got excited when a new person entered the room.

Jack would look up with green eyes that appeared to be pleading for affection. There was a bowl of food near him, but he wasn’t spotted eating. When he wasn’t receiving enough attention, Jack wandered back to his bed to sleep.

Jose Santiago, a spokesman for Animal Care and Control, said the cat’s owner died unexpectedly. Jack was brought in with another cat by a relative of the owner, Santiago said.

Both cats were put up for adoption, but they don’t have to be adopted together, he said.

Jack needs a weight-loss plan ASAP

Despite Jack’s friendly demeanor, there are health concerns with his current weight. 

“It’s not a healthy weight for a cat,” Santiago said. “It can create diabetes issues, issues on their joints and limbs.”

Jack “desperately” needs to shed some weight. The shelter said its staff will work with the cat while trying to find the best home possible for him.

“If someone wants to adopt him as-is, we’re going to recommend not only do they take him to a vet to make sure everything is OK with him, but try to get him (to) drop weight as well,” Santiago said.

It is important for Jack’s new owners to get him as active as possible, as soon as possible.

According to shelter officials, portion control can help a cat lose weight.

Santiago said many owners leave food out and some cats don’t know when to stop eating.

Pet owners can buy specialized bowls that have trails designed in them, so cats have to claw around for the food, which causes them to slow down. Or they can put a tennis ball in the bowl, so the cat has to root around, which slows down eating.

A lot of people see overfeeding or giving human food to their cats as a sign of love, but in Jack’s case, it’s not healthy, Santiago said.

In the spotlight

Jack is friendly around other cats and dogs, according to the people who brought him to the shelter.

According to the shelter, there won’t be much trouble getting Jack adopted because sometimes people like the unusual stories.

Jack has already gotten some exposure on Facebook, which will help him in finding a home, Santiago said.

Jack is available at the county shelter near 27th Avenue and Durango Street in Phoenix.

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