Crumbs, a cat from Russia who gained international fame as the world’s fattest feline, has passed away just weeks after beginning a weight loss program at a veterinary diet centre in Perm. The cat, also known as Kroshik in his native country, once tipped the scales at over 38lbs due to a diet of biscuits and soup, making him larger than a small toddler at his heaviest.
Animal rescuers first discovered Crumbs living in the basement of a hospital in Perm, where he had been abandoned by his owners and was being fed by well-meaning rescuers. The cat’s extreme weight initially earned him the title “too big to walk,” but he managed to shed 2.2lbs in just a few weeks after being placed under special care at the veterinary diet centre.
Crumbs’ weight loss program included hydrotherapy, massage, and stretching up to four times a week, as well as sessions on a treadmill and in a water tank to ease the strain on his leg joints. Despite his impressive progress, the cat was caught attempting to escape the centre last month, getting stuck in a shoe rack with his belly hanging out.
Tragically, Crumbs suddenly fell ill overnight on Saturday and passed away just hours later, despite the best efforts of the veterinary team. His cause of death has not been announced, but vets noted the presence of “multiple growths in the spleen and metastases in other internal organs.”
The giant cat’s journey captured the hearts of thousands worldwide, with many following his recovery and cheering on his weight loss successes. His carers left a heartfelt tribute, 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.”
They added, “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.”
Crumbs’ story serves as a reminder of the importance of proper nutrition and exercise for pets, as well as the impact that a single animal’s journey can have on people around the globe. As the world mourns the loss of this beloved feline, his legacy as an inspiration for pet owners and animal lovers alike will continue to live on.
