Meow, the 39 pound cat, dies of lung failure

[Curmudgeoness]

Meow, the fat cat whose 39-pound girth helped raise awareness about obesity in pets, has died of lung failure.

The orange-and-white tabby was turned in to the Santa Fe, N.M., animal shelter last month and quickly made international headlines. At first, his story was played for laughs: The 2-year-old cat apparently favored hot dogs, and was so fat that he got stuck inside things. He barely fit into his animal carrier, and was likened to Puss in Boots from the "Shrek" movies.

But Meow's weight underscored a growing problem: Pets in America are getting fatter -- just like their owners -- and all that extra weight can hasten death.

That's what happened in Meow's case, said Mary Martin, executive director of the Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society. The shelter assumed care of Meow when his 87-year-old owner could no longer care for the mammoth feline.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-meow-fat-cat-20120507,0,4075927.story



Meow made headlines when he showed up at an animal shelter, and they were hoping that news of Meow would open the discussion of obesity in pets. Well, this is what can happen if we don't watch the weight of our babies. I suppose that his death can be used to open that discussion. Please, take care of your furbabies.

[Joe Shlabotnik]

1. aw, poor Meow.

I bet many people who saw his picture thought that he was soooo cute and that there was nothing wrong with his obesity. Sad, but at least as the article said, that his brief celebrity caused a spike in adoptions at the shelter and some awareness.

[get the red out]

2. Only 2 years old!

That is so sad! My Dog just turned 2, but she is lean and fast. I've been letting her help me stay in shape. I'm amazed at how much exercise agility classes and practice have been for me, not just her. But she has four legs and I have only two.

The death of that poor cat was so unnecessary. Playing with cats is a lot of fun, and pets only eat what we give them.

[MadrasT]

3. Oh no

I has a sad. Poor Meow.