A woman in Ontario, Canada, experienced a surprising transformation after adopting a small kitten. Carly Thomas brought home a tiny feline named Sprout, weighing only 1.5 pounds, in May 2025, but she was unprepared for the rapid growth he would undergo. In a post on Instagram shared under the username @hercozycrew, Thomas showcased Sprout’s evolution, from a small, fluffy kitten to a substantial cat weighing 11 pounds by January 2026.
The viral video highlights Sprout’s striking blue eyes and fluffy appearance in his early days. The caption reflects Thomas’s initial expectations: “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!”
Siberian cats are known for their substantial size and fluffy coats, with adult weights typically ranging from 8 to 18 pounds. Catster explains that this breed, originating from Russia, is recognized for its sturdy physique and social disposition. While they are not the largest domestic cats—breeds like Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats exceed them in size—Siberians are appreciated for their affectionate nature and hypoallergenic properties.
Thomas, a 29-year-old content creator and cat influencer, expressed her astonishment at Sprout’s rapid growth. “In the first clip, he was just about 2 pounds. Fast-forward to about seven months later, and he’s suddenly a giant fluffball at almost 12 pounds! It’s still wild to me how fast he grew,” she stated.
The Instagram post quickly gained traction, amassing over 2.1 million views and more than 109,000 likes. Commenters reacted with humor and fondness. One user remarked, “I’m pretty sure he might be a large baby in a cat suit,” while another noted, “The classic Siberian transformation. He will get bigger in a few more years.”
Siberian cats are well-suited for family environments, easily adapting to various living situations and coexisting harmoniously with other pets. Their thick triple coats require regular grooming, but their playful and gentle demeanor makes them a popular choice among cat enthusiasts.
As Sprout approaches his first birthday, Thomas reflects on her journey with him. “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!”
For those with pets, Thomas encourages sharing their own funny or adorable videos. Interested individuals can submit their content to [email protected] for potential features in a “Pet of the Week” lineup.
