Breeders believe there's no such thing as too many good cats, and they start pampering their pets with all sorts of treats. That's why some domesticated purrs from all over the world surprise with their size and bulk. Who are these charming, fluffy, plump creatures and how their uncontrollable appetite affects their health? Read on.
Meatball
The list opens with a cat named Meatball, who lives in an Arizona shelter. Weighing 17 kg, he's still able to walk independently. However, long walks are still beyond his capabilities. Meatball moves with long pauses, taking time to catch his breath and gather strength for the next step.
Shelter staff still don't know whether poor nutrition or hormonal imbalances were the main factor behind his obesity. They're not allowing anyone to adopt the chubby tabby, as they're certain he needs to lose significant weight first.
Xiong Yurong
A plump cat named Xiong Yurong hails from China. The whiskered pet weighs 17.5 kg, which doesn't bother his owners at all. They admit they adore him and continue to indulge his voracious appetite by including a minimum of one kilogram of fresh meat in his diet.
Xiong Yurong isn't interested in mice or outdoor adventures. This plump glutton's favorite pastime is sitting on the couch and watching everyone bustle about.
Garfield
The adorable Garfield cat is also included in the list of plus-size cats. He got his name due to his resemblance to the cartoon character, but unlike the latter, the ginger four-legged one weighs 18 kg.
Just like the hero of the animated film of the same name, Garfield is a fan of delicious food, lying on the couch and a good night's sleep, while other joys of life remain outside the sphere of his interests.
Meow
The world said goodbye to the United States' fattest cat quite recently—on May 18, 2018. He lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and in just two years of life, Meow gained 18 kg (40 lbs). The glutton's story began in April 2012, when an 87-year-old woman brought Meow to an animal shelter. The retiree made this decision because she could no longer provide her beloved feline with the necessary care. Specialists prescribed a rehabilitation program for the cat, and at the same time, photos of the chubby white-and-orange feline were widely circulated.
After Meow's story became public, it made the press and he was inundated with invitations to appear on various television shows. Shelter staff wanted to share the cat's story with viewers and also highlight the problem of excess weight in their pets. Meow was immediately placed on a strict diet and even managed to lose a few pounds, but due to his severe obesity, his lungs failed.
Tulle
Nine-year-old Tulle has surpassed previous participants in the fattest feline rankings. The ginger feline, who has gained 20 kg, lives in Denmark.
When a cat lies motionless, it can be mistaken for a small fluffy pillow or ottoman. Their owners can't resist this sweet cat's constant desire for something tasty to eat. Over time, Tulle lost interest in active play and became lazy. Walking is difficult for the cat, and to avoid getting up, he's learned to roll like a ball, which is how he gets to his food bowl. Of all the activities, Tulle prefers sleeping.
Currently, the hero is following a diet, because his weight is approaching a critical point.
Spice
The origins of the furry glutton Spicy from Connecticut are unknown. He was first spotted by the media in 2008, astonishing people with his curves and incredible laziness.
The size of this voracious tabby cat is astonishing—he managed to gain 21 kg. It's unknown who helped this sloth reach such a size. The cat weighs six times more than a normal cat, and like all overweight cats, he has difficulty moving and prefers to sleep outdoors rather than be physically active.
Himmy
In 1978, the Guinness Book of World Records listed the fattest cat, with impressive measurements. When the white-and-black-spotted Himmie was placed on the scale, the scale showed 21 kilograms (45 pounds). Her belly was also measured—it measured 84 centimeters (33 inches) in circumference. Her length, including her tail, was approximately one meter (3.3 ft). This makes Himmie, a cat from Australia, the most titled cat on this list.
Queensland resident Thomas Wise brought Himia in a cart because she couldn't move on her own. He claimed that his beloved's size was due solely to her insatiable appetite and laziness, and nothing more.
Himmie lived for ten years and died in 2006 from respiratory failure due to obesity. However, tests proved the story to be a hoax. A hormonal drug used by livestock breeders to stimulate pig growth was found in the giant cat's remains. Himmie's achievements were annulled, and her tragic fate prompted the organizers of the World Records Book of World Records to remove this category, so as not to encourage people to achieve world fame at the expense of their pets' health.
Tragic events in the lives of plus-size cats serve as examples of the responsibility people have for their four-legged friends. Remember that a cat's round belly can lead to illness, and the average healthy weight of an adult cat is between 3 and 6 kilograms.
