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Crumbs, beloved by the internet as the "world's fattest cat," died last week following complications from a tumor, sparking a wave of reactions from fans worldwide.
On October 28, 2024, a viral content source, Dexerto, took to their X account and shared the news of the passing of the world's fattest cat, along with his two pictures. However, when news broke of his untimely death, fans voiced their frustrations on X over what they perceived as potentially misguided management of his weight loss and health.
"RIP but the owners are to blame," one wrote on X.
Many users on X expressed frustration with "chonker" humor, a popular slang term used to describe overweight cats, suggesting that normalizing "chonker" humor indirectly condones the mistreatment of pets.
"anyone still engaging in "chonker" type humor and adoration is effectively endorsing the mistreatment of pets, it's gotten less popular the past few years but needs to be socially unacceptable," one commented on X.
"Cat - I am gravely ill. Please stop feeding me biscuits and soup. Humans- CHONKER!!!" another commented.
"Some people shouldn't be allowed to buy pets," a netizen commented.
Moreover, some users on X noted that obesity — whether in humans or animals — should not be viewed as "cute." Others emphasized that pet owners should avoid intentionally overfeeding or encouraging excessive weight gain in their pets.
"Obese animals aren't cute for the same reason obese humans aren't cute. Obese animals don't live long for the same reason obese humans don't live long," a user on X.
"this is the owners problem why are you making ur cat fat on purpose," another commented.
"letting your animal get this big is abuse," a third wrote on X.
The actual owner of Crumbs remains unknown. However, Galiana More, the owner of the cat shelter, was reportedly responsible for overseeing the care and treatment of the world's fattest cat.
World's fattest cat, Crumbs, dies after tumor complications
Crumbs gained public attention in mid-2023 when photos and videos of his impressive size went viral. His popularity grew further in early 2024 after a memorable escape attempt from a feline weight loss camp, which ended humorously when he got tangled in a shoe rack, amusing and concerning fans alike.
According to Dexerto, Crumbs, also known as Kroshik, passed away on October 26, 2024. Once weighing 38 pounds (17.2 kg), Kroshik had lived in a Russian hospital basement, eating soups and biscuits before being discovered. After joining a weight loss camp, he lost seven pounds (3.1 kg) on a strict diet but sadly died due to breathing difficulties.
The vets were unable to see the tumor that was hidden in the layering fat of Crumbs and has also indicated that tumors on his lungs and spleen resulted in a multiple organ collapse.
Speaking with the local media, Galiana More told the press that Crumbs was suffocating for two days and was put in an oxygen chamber in the clinic to regain the oxygen.
"The cat started suffocating two days ago, lying in an oxygen chamber in the clinic. For the past two hours, we actually pumped him out so that he could continue to breathe so that he survived. Unfortunately, the real cause of death is unknown at the moment," More said.
More further noted that Kroshik managed to lose enough weight to undergo an ultrasound, during which veterinarians detected a tumor. However, she emphasized that determining the exact cause of death—whether due to his excessive weight or the neoplasm—remains impossible.
"Due to the fact that he was able to lose three kilograms, ultrasound sensors worked, and doctors were able to see multiple tumors in the spleen and do not exclude the possibility of metastases in the lungs. Therefore, it is very difficult to judge what was the root cause – excess weight or neoplasms," More added.
According to Dexerto, Crumbs' weight had become so problematic that he could not walk and required the use of a specialized underwater treadmill for exercise.
Although the cat has passed away, his memory remains a cherished reminder, and it calls for a closer look into health protocols for obese pets and pet owners' responsibilities.
