When Kiah Berkeley met the 35-pound kitty at the Humane Rescue Alliance’s shelter, it was love at first sight. Last month, the obese cat, previously known as Symba, went viral for his massive bulk and intimidating weight.
His celebrity had spread to Berkeley, and he had to find a new house and a new name, Vito. Berkeley and her new husband, Peter Sorkin, now live with him and their two rescue cats, Motzie and Two Patch.
According to Berkeley, Vito took a while to settle into his new place, but he embraced his new home and enjoyed his new life eventually. However, things were still not perfect, the two other furry friends were not so friendly with Vito.
“He’s really wanting to be friends with our other two cats, but it’s been pretty slow-going,” Berkeley said. “There was a lot of hissing when he first moved in – by the other cats, not by him.”
When they married earlier this month, the pair attempted to make up for Vito. They pondered making him the ring bearer at first, but Vito objected, so they came up with a brilliant plan. The couple’s photographer, Kriti Odom, wanted to perform a free picture shoot with Vito at their home. “Those images were taken a few days after our wedding,” said the couple.
Berkeley added, “We simply put our wedding clothes back on, and she and her photographer partner Darren came over, and we drank some beers and did some shots with the cat.” Vito did not disappoint his owners at the photo shoot, despite not being “taken by surprise.”
