The internet mourned the passing of Kroshik, affectionately known as “Crumbs” in English, an extraordinarily overweight cat who captured global attention. Weeks after embarking on a weight loss journey at a specialized feline facility, Crumbs died, leaving behind a story that highlights both the challenges of pet obesity and the hidden health issues it can mask.
Crumbs’ story began in a less than ideal setting – the basement of a Russian hospital. Rescued from this unlikely environment by the Matroskin cat shelter in Perm, Russia, Crumbs had ballooned to 38 pounds due to a diet of scraps, biscuits, and soup provided during his time in the basement. This staggering weight earned him the unofficial title of “world’s fattest cat” in various media outlets, and his plight resonated with animal lovers worldwide.
Crumbs the Cat Being Weighed at the Veterinary Clinic
Hope emerged when Crumbs was admitted to a veterinary weight loss center. He showed initial promise, successfully shedding 7 pounds. However, this progress was tragically cut short when Crumbs suddenly developed breathing difficulties and passed away on Saturday, as reported by NewsX.
Veterinarians at the weight loss center made a startling discovery during the post-mortem examination. They believe that Crumbs’ extensive fat layers had obscured cancerous tumors on his spleen and other internal organs. These tumors, undetected during scans due to the cat’s extreme obesity, are suspected to have triggered a fatal multi-organ failure, according to Galiana More, the owner of the Matroskin cat shelter.
Crumbs Resting at the Matroskin Cat Shelter in Perm, Russia
The precise cause of death remains under investigation, pending the full post-mortem results. More acknowledged the difficulty in determining whether the obesity itself or the tumors were the primary cause of Crumbs’ demise. Despite the uncertainty, she emphasized Crumbs’ resilience, stating, “When this is a large set of such multi-organ failure, the body simply can not cope, despite the fact that Kroshik was really a fighter.”
More also highlighted the common feline tendency to mask illness, explaining that Crumbs displayed no outward symptoms like shortness of breath or digestive issues prior to his sudden decline. Ultrasound scans were not feasible due to his condition, but his health was constantly monitored, recognizing the inherent risks associated with extreme weight.
Crumbs Stuck in a Shoe Rack During an Attempted Escape
Leading up to his death, Crumbs’ tests had consistently returned normal results, further obscuring the underlying tumors. The shelter expressed profound sadness at the unforeseen circumstances, stating, “It hurts that we didn’t know about it before, couldn’t help,” and described Crumbs’ passing as “a great loss,” as he had become “a symbol of hope for everyone.”
To combat his morbid obesity, Crumbs was placed on a strict diet and exercise program. This included sessions on an underwater treadmill, designed to help him lose weight without putting excessive strain on his joints.
Crumbs Using an Underwater Treadmill for Exercise
Despite the dedicated efforts of his caretakers and the global outpouring of support, Crumbs’ story serves as a poignant reminder that even with the best intentions and interventions, some battles are insurmountable. In a heartfelt statement, the shelter acknowledged the limitations they faced, concluding, “Sometimes even the strongest cats cannot cope. Sometimes even the best doctors, rehabilitation centers and support from people around the world are not able to help.” They expressed gratitude for the widespread support Crumbs received, stating, “Thank you for being and staying with Kroshik until his very last breath. Thank you for being the reason why Kroshik believed in good people.” Crumbs’ legacy extends beyond his weight; he became a symbol of hope and resilience, and his story underscores the critical importance of addressing pet obesity and the often-hidden health risks it entails.
