adoption

Chubbs, the Wandering 29-Pound Viral Cat Sensation, Gets Adopted

"I thought I was going to adopt a kitten, but I saw this guy and immediately fell in love," Yvette Viola said

A 29-pound cat who became an internet sensation after being rescued from the streets of Southern California has found a forever home.

The stray Himalayan mix was found last week wandering the streets of Altadena and taken to the Pasadena Humane Society by a good Samaritan. The shelter said the 10-year-old cat, which they named Chubbs, was extremely matted and took several hours to groom, "Today" reported.

After the shelter put out a "huge cat alert" on its social media pages announcing Chubbs was in need of a good home, the Pasadena Humane Society said it received several claims from different people alleging the now-social media star was their cat.

The organization had planned on holding an adoption event Sunday, but delayed it to vett the claims. After determining the ownership claims were false, Chubbs was put up for adoption on Wednesday. 

"He was adopted right away," said shelter spokeswoman Jaime Holeman. "Surprisingly, the family that adopted him were the only ones ready to adopt." 

Though the line to adopt the famous kitty wasn't long, Holeman said there were plenty of Chubbs fans gathered outside the shelter showing their support. 

"One person made a sign that said 'We Love Chubbs' and then gave it to the family who adopted him," said Holeman. 

Yvette Viola and her husband, Ruben Viola, was the lucky couple who adopted Chubbs. 

The Violas lost their cat, Mooshu, of 14 years earlier this year and were grief-stricken. Since Mooshu's death, Yvette never found a cat that made her want to adopt — until she laid eyes on Chubbs. 

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"It was really hard for us. I didn't want to adopt a cat at all," Yvette said. "But then this guy came on TV and my girlfriend from high school sent me the link and said, 'I found your cat.'" 

Yvette was ready to adopt last week and filled out an application Thursday, but had to wait a few extra days until the adorable kitty could officially be put on the market. 

"I was so nervous someone was going to come by and claim him," Yvette said. "I thought I was going to adopt a kitten, but I saw this guy and immediately fell in love." 

Chubbs was placed on a weight loss program before being adopted and his new family plans to continue his diet. They also said Chubbs will be microchiped to ensure he does not become a stray again. 

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