A woman from Ontario, Canada, has gone viral after sharing her experience with her adopted kitten, who underwent a surprising transformation. In a post on Instagram, Carly Thomas documented the journey of her Siberian cat named Sprout, highlighting how the tiny, 1.5-pound kitten she brought home in May 2025 grew to an impressive 11 pounds by January 2026.
The Instagram post, shared under the username @hercozycrew, features a series of images showcasing Sprout’s evolution. The first image presents the kitten as a small fluffball with striking blue eyes, while the subsequent photo reveals the now sizeable cat lounging comfortably on a couch, grooming his thick white fur. The caption humorously notes, “Seven months later… I brought home a tiny 1.5 lbs kitten at the start of May 2025 and now it’s January 2026 and he’s 11 lbs and a whole CHONK OF A CAT.”
Siberian cats, known for their large size and long fur, typically weigh between 8 to 18 pounds and can take up to three years to reach their full size. Thomas, a 29-year-old content creator and pet influencer, expressed her astonishment at Sprout’s rapid growth. “Did I bring home a kitten or a dog?” she joked. “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!”
The Growing Popularity of Sprout
The video of Sprout’s transformation has resonated with many on social media, amassing over 2.1 million views and 109,000 likes. Comments from viewers showcase a mix of admiration and humor. One user, known as Rambothepuppy, remarked, “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, stating, “The classic Siberian transformation. He will get bigger in a few more years.”
Catster, a reputable source on feline breeds, describes Siberian cats as sturdy, social, and adaptable, making them excellent family pets. Their thick triple coats and affectionate nature contribute to their appeal. While they are not the largest domestic cats—Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats often surpass them in size—Siberians comfortably fit between medium and giant breeds.
Understanding the Siberian Breed
Siberian cats are particularly valued for being hypoallergenic, a trait that attracts many cat lovers. Their friendly demeanor allows them to coexist well with other animals, further solidifying their status as popular pets. As Sprout continues to grow, Thomas remains excited about the journey ahead, eagerly anticipating his first birthday on February 14, 2026.
As pet ownership trends rise, stories like Thomas’s reflect the joys and surprises that come with adopting animals. This viral moment not only highlights the endearing nature of pets but also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable changes that can occur as they grow.
For pet owners wishing to share their own adorable stories, Newsweek encourages submissions of funny and heartwarming videos or pictures to [email protected], which may be featured in their Pet of the Week lineup.
