The Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society said today that the orange and white tabby named Meow died over the weekend, likely from complications from his morbid obesity.
Meow, who was between two-years-old, was taken to the shelter last month after his 87-year-old owner could no longer take care of him.
The shelter put Meow on a diet and posted all his weigh-ins on a Facebook page that got national attention.
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'But we hope his fight will encourage other people to help their pets maintain the best health possible. Obesity is not something to be ignored.'
Meow's 87-year-old owner could no longer take care of him, so the pet was turned over to a shelter in southeastern New Mexico that called the Santa Fe shelter for help.
Meow was placed with a foster family after that who put him on a special diet so he can start shedding some pounds.
When he was alive, Meow was not the fattest cat out there.
That record belongs to Himmy, a tabby from Australia that weighed almost 47 pounds. The shelter said Guinness World Records has since stopped accepting applications for the record over concerns it would encourage people to overfeed their animals.
Shelter veterinarian Jennifer Steketee said the idea is for Meow was to gradually lose weight by eating a special diet.
Steketee said the dangers of feline obesity are not much different than they are for humans - extra pressure on the heart and joints.
She told the Today show after his death: 'When we first heard Meow wheezing, we attributed it to possible allergies or the fact that he was moving around more in his foster home.'
The cat' symptoms worsened and he died she said.
'His extreme obesity may have set off a string of events that ultimately ended his life.'
No so sad. I didn't know meow was in Santa Fe. I would have adopted him😿
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cat. Breaks my heart. Meow, you are trim and slim and running free now forever!
ReplyDeleteI am pleased Guineas book of Records has ceased " Fattest Feline" as I am of belief that it would encourage others to overfeed their cats, which would lead to early deaths.
ReplyDeleteSo So Sad,Run Free Sweet Handsome Meow
ReplyDeleteSo 😢
ReplyDeletePoor guy.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for his loss. He has crossed the rainbow bridge and I am sure that he is now healthy and running the meadows.
ReplyDeleteHe was lovely I wish I could have adopted him. Rip sweet baby
ReplyDeleteThis breaks my heart! Poor Meow!!! You're such a sweet, innocent creature and I'm so sorry you were allowed to get so big it was bad for your health! Run in peace, Meow! My cat Satori will play with you at Rainbow Bridge!
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