The Unwilling Fitness Influencer

Smudge, an 18-year-old cat, has become an unexpected fitness inspiration to thousands of people. What makes this even more remarkable is that Smudge herself is not exactly thrilled about exercising.

An Overweight Adoption

When Kya and Matt adopted Smudge a few years ago, she was already carrying extra weight. At 23 pounds, she was about twice her recommended size. Her vet suggested an exercise plan to help her slim down. While her owners were eager to help, Smudge had other ideas—she much preferred finding cozy spots for naps rather than working out.

Getting Creative with Cat Exercise

The couple had to think outside the box to get Smudge moving. Their first attempt involved supervised playtime in the garden. This didn't go as planned. Smudge would simply walk straight back to the house and wait by the door, hoping to be let inside to resume her napping.

The Garden Edge Strategy

Kya and Matt then tried a new approach. They would carry Smudge to the far edge of the garden, giving her no choice but to walk the entire distance back to the house. This became her daily routine.

Videos of these exercise sessions show Smudge making the journey at her own pace. She often stops for breaks along the way, clearly not rushing the process.

Rain or Shine Commitment

Smudge has her limits, though. On rainy days, she refuses to walk without umbrella coverage. Matt or Kya walk alongside her with an umbrella to keep her dry. Despite the weather, Smudge continues her fitness journey—even when she would clearly rather be doing something else.

The Smudge Effect

This reluctant dedication has struck a chord with thousands of people online. Viewers comment things like, "I didn't want to go for a walk today either, but if Smudge can, then I can."

Some followers have even started referring to their own daily exercise as "Smudge walks," showing how this grumpy but determined cat has become a true fitness motivation icon.

Smudge continues her weight loss journey alongside her cat sibling Ruby, proving that fitness goals can be reached one slow, reluctant step at a time.