New Mexico Fat Cat Weighs Whopping 40 Pounds!

Weighing in at 40 pounds, there’s no denying that Meow is one fat cat.

After his 87-year-old owner could no longer take care of him, two-year-old Meow was turned over to an animal shelter in southeast New Mexico that, after seeing the massive Meow, called the animal shelter in the capital of Santa Fe for help, reports the Huffington Post.

Just how Meow was able to gain 40 pounds in a mere two years remains a mystery to workers at the Santa Fe Animal Shelter, but the gain is certainly astonishing knowing that adult cats typically weigh between seven and 12 pounds.

Meow has since been placed with a foster family where he will be put on a special diet to stimulate weight loss with the goal of losing at least 10 pounds before he is put up for adoption.

Meow: Fat Cat, but not the Fattest

Although Meow is morbidly obese—his weight at 40 pounds can be equated to a human weighing 600 pounds—he is remarkably not the fattest cat around!

That record belongs to Himmy, a cat from Australia weighing in at a whopping 47 pounds!

The Guinness Book of World Records has stopped accepting applications for the record, however, as they fear it may encourage people to overfeed their animals putting the animals’ lives at stake since such obesity is conducive to severe health problems.

Meow: Fat Cat Hoping for a Healthier Life

In that vein, the shelter is awaiting the results of Meow’s blood work to determine whether the cute chubby cat possesses any additional health problems stemming from the obesity.

Like humans, obese felines face extra pressure on the heart and joints making it tough and painful for them to move and exercise, said shelter veterinarian Jennifer Steketee.

Yet, Meow’s team of helpers at the shelter are confident in the fat cat’s eventual weight loss and believe that his sweet demeanor and overall cuteness will certainly catch the eye of a loving companion.

What do you think about Meow’s story? Check out the video below and don’t forget to share your thoughts in a comment.

Update: Since this story was reported, Meow the fat cat has passed on, according to those caring for him. Our hearts remain heavy with grief for our heavy feline friend.