Meow the Obese Cat Has Died

Meow

We recently posted about Meow the morbidly obese cat who needed a home. Sadly, Meow has died of lung failure. According to the Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society, Meow developed respiratory issues at his new foster home and passed away on the afternoon of May 5, 2012. The organization is asking people to leave their condolences at their Facebook page. Meow was recently a guest on TV talk show Anderson.

After a physical examination, blood work, and a weight-loss strategy were completed at the shelter, he was transferred to a foster home where he appeared to be active and happy. However, he began to develop respiratory issues.

“When we first heard Meow wheezing, we attributed it to possible allergies or the fact that he was moving around more in his foster home but treated it with further tests and medications,” said Jennifer Steketee, the shelter veterinarian who has been monitoring Meow’s health. “Many obese people and animals wheeze when they walk, but we didn’t want to assume anything.”

When the symptoms worsened toward the end of the week, he was brought in for further testing and taken to an emergency veterinary hospital for continued care. Several veterinary specialists were consulted in Meow’s care but treatment was unsuccessful.

“His extreme obesity may have set off a string of events that ultimately ended his life,” Steketee said.

image via Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society

Rusty Blazenhoff
Rusty Blazenhoff