THE world’s fattest cat has tragically died just weeks after going to a feline fat camp to shed some weight.
Crumbs once tipped the scales at over 38lbs due to a dodgy diet of biscuits and soup – making him larger than a small toddler at his biggest.
NewsflashThe world’s fattest cat Crumbs has tragically died just weeks after going to a feline fat camp to shed some weight[/caption]
The 38lbs feline died in a Russian veterinary centreNewsflash
Crumbs was the same size as a small toddlerNewsflash
The flabby cat, named Kroshik in his native Russia, was placed under special care at a veterinary diet centre in Perm so they could work on his weight.
But doctors say he suddenly became ill overnight on Saturday and passed away just hours later.
His death was announced on social media through a touching post.
It said: “Kroshik passed away last night. This news echoes with a ringing emptiness in the heart.
“Yesterday Kroshik suddenly became ill. He began to choke.
“Until that moment, the doctors had never noticed signs of shortness of breath in him.
“We acted immediately – in half an hour Kroshik was already in the oxygen chamber.
“Gradually, his condition began to deteriorate and even the resuscitation efforts of the doctors could not help him.
“Dying, he was not alone. Until his very last breath, the best doctors fought for his life.”
Crumbs’ cause of death is yet to be announced but vets said he had “multiple growths in the spleen and metastases in other internal organs”.
Animal rescuers first found Crumbs living in the basement of the hospital in Perm.
First dubbed “too big to walk” the monster moggy managed to shed 2.2lbs in just a few weeks on his diet plan.
Clinic vets told local media his weight loss programme was aimed at helping him lose excess fluid and increasing his physical activity.
It included hydrotherapy, massage and stretching up to four times a week.
Pictures showed him being put through his paces on a treadmill and placed in a water tank to ease the strain on his leg joints due to his extreme weight.
Sometimes miracles do not happen. Sometimes even the strongest cats cannot cope
Crumbs’ careers
Despite the impressive weight loss journey, Crumbs was caught trying to escape the centre last month.
During his escape, the cat got stuck in a shoe rack with his belly hanging out.
The giant cat became a worldwide celebrity for its sheer size over the past years with thousands keeping up with Crumbs’ recovery.
His carers left a heartfelt tribute following the cat’s death saying: “For a long time, we could not understand the reason for such incredible popularity of Kroshik, because we did nothing to somehow attract the media to the story.
“Later we realised people from all over the world are so tired of bad news.
“We rejoiced with you at every victory of Kroshik and cherished his every step.
“Sometimes miracles do not happen. Sometimes even the strongest cats cannot cope.”
What is the ideal weight for a cat?
A CAT’S weight depends on its breed and age.
Health conditions and gender also have a bearing – with tom cats usually slightly larger than females.
According to the Blue Cross, you can see if your cat is overweight by just looking at it.
If you cannot see or feel their ribs then they are probably overweight.
However, if their ribs are clearly visible with not even a small amount of fat covering them then they are underweight.
The average moggy should have a small amount of fat covering their ribs.
You should be able to feel the ribs and spine when stroking their backs.
An average healthy puss should weigh between 3.6 to 4.5 kilograms, around 8-10lbs.
Larger breeds can hit 11lbs or 5kg.
If you have a Maine coon, these can weigh up to 25lbs or 11kg.
If you are worried about your pet’s size, then get advice from a vet.
Crumbs exercising at fat campNewsflash
Newsflash Crumbs once tried to escape but got trapped in a shoe rack[/caption]
NewsflashHe was placed on a strict diet and exercise regime[/caption]