The 40-pound cat that went viral is now on a weight loss journey

• He was adopted by Kay Ford, a retiree who lives in Mechanicsville, who pledged to help Patches work off the weight with a new diet and exercise regimen.

What’s happening: Ford, who has now been featured in the Washington Post and on "Good Morning America," says a vet will oversee Patches' diet with a goal of gentle, gradual weight loss.

• Their first appointment is this morning.

As for the exercise, Ford acknowledges she's got her work cut out for her.

• "It's going to be very difficult to get a cat on a focused exercise plan," she tells Axios.