Cats often get fat because of a hormonal imbalance after spaying or neutering. It happens. Also we don't know how narrow the trashcan is. Maybe OP was irresponsible, but I think "abuse" is too strong a word.

my family owned a cat that was fat from the day he was born. my mom caught him as a stray and we raised him and fed him just like the others and somehow he was overweight until the day he died... 26 lbs!

The cat isn't fat. He is a healthy size. It is just that that garbage can was too small.

Doesn't sound like this is the case for OP's cat, but if there's any Maine Coon in the furball's family, he or she is going to be a big kitty regardless. Doesn't mean they're unhealthy, though.

I adopted one of my cats from the pound and picked him out because he was a loud, fat snugglebug. No amount of strict dieting and attempts to make him exercise have had any effect in almost 8 years. Some cats are just fat.

I have a Maine coon. Hes a big cat but hes not fat. 21 lbs, :).

So big not fat? :) That's nice to hear Hope he learned and don't do it again :P

maybe the exercise would help him lose weight, lol.

My cat does have a leash and I take him on walks regularly. I always get the weirdest looks from the neighbors.

Have you not read the OP's replies? The cat isn't fat. It was a small oddly shaped trash can. She also takes her cats for walks.