Meet Balta: The Muscular Cat Who Has Captivated Reddit Users

Cats come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, but one pet owner has questioned her feline's shape after snapping a picture of his unusually muscular shoulders. Gina from Ontario, Canada, shared a photo of her rescue cat, Balta, who is around seven years old, on Reddit. The image quickly gained attention, receiving over 18,000 upvotes, as many users were intrigued by Balta's impressive physique. Gina humorously commented, "My first time owning a male cat, are they usually this swole?"

Cats possess a complex muscular system that enables them to move with agility, which is essential for hunting and survival. It is estimated that cats have around 500 skeletal muscles responsible for movement, balance, and controlling vital organs. Balta's unique muscular build has sparked curiosity among cat enthusiasts and pet owners alike.

In a conversation with Newsweek, Gina revealed, "I got him in September 2022—his true age is unknown. I wanted to share the picture because I had never had a male cat before, only females, and he looked so muscular in the picture that I was curious if other people's male cats were so bulky." This newfound awareness of male cats' physical differences has resonated with many.

Balta isn't the only muscular cat to gain internet fame. In 2021, another muscular cat went viral due to its exceptional physique, although that particular feline's appearance was attributed to a rare genetic condition that caused its muscles to grow excessively large. The fascination with muscular cats is not just a passing trend; it reflects the diverse appearances and characteristics of our feline companions.

Comments on Gina's post varied, with some users expressing humor and admiration for Balta's physique. One commenter asked, "Is he super active?" while another exclaimed, "Dude, this is one of the only Reddit posts that have made me audibly laugh out loud [...] your cat is a freaking beast!" The reactions highlight the joy and entertainment pets bring to our lives.

Balta is not just a spectacle; he is a cherished member of Gina's family. She shared, "He is very well built, he's huge even when he's not showing off his muscles—he has to be around 15 pounds or more now." This weight is notably above the average domestic cat, which typically ranges from 8 to 10 pounds. Balta's larger size adds to his charm and appeal.

Gina loves sharing photos of her cat, emphasizing that Balta's personality and looks have garnered plenty of laughter and joy from Reddit users. "I love the reaction from Reddit," she stated. "I've seen a few comments say it made people laugh, which is great to me. My cat is such a character, and he makes me laugh every day." Gina's experience is a reminder of the joy and connection pets can bring to our lives.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup!