Kroshik-also affectionately regarded as the “world’s fattest cat“-suddenly died just a few weeks after embarking on his road to healthiness at a weight loss camp. Kroshik-whose name in Russian means “Crumbs”-was enrolled into a special veterinary diet facility in hopes of losing pounds for a better quality of life. His death closes an interesting internet story that has created interest in this animal’s huge size and the problem of pet obesity.
The life of Kroshik went viral after being found weighing a whopping 38 pounds in the basement of one hospital in Perm, Russia. The personnel at the hospital had been feeding him leftovers such as biscuits and soup, which added up rather quickly, knowing that they also contributed to his size. Being rescued showed the probability of well-meant but misinformed feeding practices that many people do to stray animals and how such overweight animals face their unique challenges.
After his rescue, Kroshik was put on a strict diet and workout plan through the veterinary diet center. Its team closely monitored every calorie he consumed, creating an agenda to bring him to his correct weight. A few weeks later, Kroshik lost 2.2 pounds- a great start toward his caretakers’ wish for a new life of health and happiness. His early success was the subject of much celebration by his followers on social media, who manned their timelines with messages of encouragement.
There was no shortage of humor during Kroshik’s time at the center, either. At one point, he grew tired of his new routine and apparently attempted a break. He got stuck between the bars of a shoe rack. An episode that brought some comedy to his followers online, who, by now, loved his antics and toughness. This episode pointed out his playful spirit and determination- the traits that gained him so many fans worldwide.
But life wasn’t easy for Kroshik; his weight had come with a plethora of complications, such as breathing issues and mobility problems. On a particular day when things couldn’t get any worse, Kroshik began choking. His assistants reacted very fast and immediately put him in an oxygen chamber. His condition worsened further, and despite day-and-night efforts by the team, they could not save him. At the end, Kroshik was surrounded by a devoted team dedicated to his care and passed peacefully after a valiant fight.
In fact, when further examined by veterinarians, there were various growths in his spleen, with evidence of metastases in other organs, contributing to the rapid decline. Although the cause of death is still unknown, Kroshik’s health was compromised even before he entered this weight loss camp. His caregivers expressed deep sadness, pointing out that they did everything possible to give him a second chance at life.
“Until his very last breath, the best doctors fought for his life,”
they said in a statement, remembering him as an animal that won their hearts. The news of Kroshik’s death has reached people worldwide, as thousands offer condolences and bits and pieces of his story appear on social media. Thousands of messages of condolence have flooded the accounts of supporters, many of whom were regular followers of his story celebrating each small victory in his life.
While Kroshik’s life was short, he’s left a legacy by raising awareness about pet obesity, proper feeding, and veterinary care responsibilities.
