Top 15 Fattest Cat in the World - Petmaw.com (2024)

Cats are generally sleek and agile creatures, but some defy the norms with their staggering weights. While obesity in cats can lead to serious health issues, the records and stories of some of the world’s fattest cats have captured the public’s fascination over the years. In this article, we will explore the details about the fattest cats recorded, the reasons behind their enormous sizes, and the health implications they faced.

The Record Holders

1. Himmy

Himmy, a cat from Queensland, Australia, holds the record in the Guinness Book of World Records as the heaviest cat ever. He weighed in at an astounding 46.8 pounds (21.3 kilograms) when he died in 1986 at the age of 10. The record for “fattest cat” was later retired by Guinness, partly to discourage deliberate overfeeding of pets by owners looking to break records.

2. Barsik

Barsik, an adopted cat from New York City, gained media attention in 2019 when he was listed in an animal shelter at an incredible 41 pounds (18.6 kilograms). Barsik was put on a strict diet by his new owners to bring him to a healthier weight.

3. Meow

Meow became famous in 2012. Weighing 39.6 pounds (18 kilograms), he was a shelter cat from Santa Fe before being taken in by a foster owner. Unfortunately, Meow passed away shortly after from pulmonary issues, exacerbated by his obesity.

4. Garfield

In 2012, another heavyweight, Garfield, weighed 40 pounds (18.1 kilograms). This cat from New York needed a new home after his owner passed away, sparking interest from potential adopters who were touched by his story.

5. Sponge Bob

Weighing 33 pounds (15 kilograms), Sponge Bob was a famous resident of a New York City animal shelter in 2012. He was a senior cat and, despite his weight, was described as very sweet and affectionate.

6. Tiger

• Weight: 31 pounds (14.1 kilograms)
• Year Noted: 2014
• Location: USA
• Background: Tiger was brought to a shelter after his elderly owner could no longer care for him. He was placed on a diet and exercise regimen to slowly reduce his weight to a healthier level.

7. Ulric

• Weight: 30 pounds (13.6 kilograms)
• Year Noted: 2013
• Location: UK
• Background: Known as Britain’s fattest cat, Ulric was twice the size of a typical cat. His condition spurred his owner to enter him into a pet weight loss competition.

8. Skinny

• Weight: 41 pounds (18.6 kilograms) at his heaviest
• Year Noted: 2012
• Location: Texas, USA
• Background: Skinny was found wandering near a busy road before being taken in by a shelter. He has since lost a significant amount of weight under veterinary care.

9. Prince Chunk

• Weight: 44 pounds (20 kilograms)
• Year Noted: 2008
• Location: New Jersey, USA
• Background: Prince Chunk famously became a tabloid sensation when he was found wandering in New Jersey after his owner lost her home. His story helped raise awareness about pet obesity.

10. Mikesch

• Weight: 40 pounds (18.1 kilograms)
• Year Noted: 2004
• Location: Germany
• Background: Mikesch was taken away from his owner by animal welfare workers due to concerns about his health from being grossly overweight.

11. Oscar

• Weight: 35 pounds (15.9 kilograms)
• Year Noted: 2015
• Location: USA
• Background: Oscar was nicknamed “the circus fat cat” by media outlets. He was put on a diet program at a veterinary health center after his elderly owner could no longer care for him.

12. Tiny

• Weight: 30.2 pounds (13.7 kilograms)
• Year Noted: 2011
• Location: Canada
• Background: Tiny was brought to a shelter in an oversized dog crate; he lost nearly half his body weight over a year with a controlled diet and exercise.

13. Mittens

• Weight: 32 pounds (14.5 kilograms)
• Year Noted: 2010
• Location: USA
• Background: Mittens’ story went viral when her adoptive family posted before and after photos of her weight loss journey online.

14. Captain Chunk

• Weight: 37 pounds (16.8 kilograms)
• Year Noted: 2009
• Location: USA
• Background: Captain Chunk was found as a stray and adopted by a family who then put him on a strict diet to regain his normal weight.

15. Puff

• Weight: 38 pounds (17.2 kilograms)
• Year Noted: 2005
• Location: USA
• Background: Puff gained media attention when his owner was charged with animal cruelty, mistakenly believed to be feeding him excessively. However, Puff suffered from a genetic disorder leading to his obesity.

Extended Table of Overweight Cats

Here’s an extended table that includes these additional cats:

Causes of Obesity in Cats

• Overfeeding: The most common cause of obesity in cats is simple; too many calories and not enough exercise.
• Lack of Exercise: Indoor cats, in particular, often lead relatively sedentary lifestyles which can contribute to weight gain.
• Genetic Predisposition: Some breeds and individual cats are more prone to gaining weight than others.
• Health Issues: Conditions like hypothyroidism can also lead to weight gain.

Health Risks Associated with Feline Obesity

• Diabetes: Just like in humans, obesity can cause type 2 diabetes in cats.
• Liver Disease: Known as hepatic lipidosis, this serious condition can be life-threatening.
• Joint Problems: Extra weight can put severe strain on a cat’s joints and spine.
• Heart Disease: The added strain on the body can lead to cardiovascular issues.
• Shortened Lifespan: On average, obese cats will have a shorter lifespan due to these compounded health issues.

FAQs

Who holds the record for the fattest cat in the world?

Answer: The record for the fattest cat ever is held by Himmy, a cat from Queensland, Australia, who weighed 46.8 pounds (21.3 kilograms). Himmy held the Guinness World Record until the category was retired to prevent deliberate overfeeding of pets by owners looking to break records.

Why was the Guinness World Record category for ‘fattest cat’ retired?

Answer: The Guinness World Record category for the fattest cat was retired to discourage the overfeeding of pets. Overfeeding and under-exercising pets to achieve a record is considered unethical and can lead to severe health problems for the animals.

What are some health problems faced by overweight cats?

Answer: Overweight cats can suffer from several health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer. Obesity can also lead to decreased life expectancy and diminished quality of life.

Has any overweight cat ever lost weight successfully?

Answer: Yes, many overweight cats have successfully lost weight through diet changes and increased exercise, often under veterinary supervision. For example, Skinny, the cat from Texas, originally weighed 41 pounds and lost about 22 pounds through a supervised diet and exercise program.

What should you do if you have an overweight cat?

Answer: If you have an overweight cat, the best course of action is to consult with a veterinarian to develop a safe and effective weight loss program. This typically includes controlled diet plans and increased physical activity.

How can you prevent your cat from becoming overweight?

Answer: To prevent your cat from becoming overweight, ensure they eat a balanced diet tailored to their specific needs (age, health condition, activity level). Regular exercise and routine veterinary check-ups are also crucial.

Can obesity in cats be genetically predisposed?

Answer: Yes, some cats can be genetically predisposed to obesity, especially certain breeds like the Maine Coon and Persian. However, environmental factors such as diet and exercise are more significant in determining a cat’s weight.

What was the diet of the world’s fattest cat?

Answer: The specifics of Himmy’s diet are not well-documented, but like many overweight cats, his diet likely included excessive amounts of cat food and insufficient exercise. Corrective diets for such cats typically involve high-protein, low-carbohydrate foods with controlled calorie intake.

Are there any ethical concerns related to breeding or owning extremely overweight cats?

Answer: Yes, there are significant ethical concerns related to breeding or owning extremely overweight cats. Deliberately overfeeding a cat to increase its weight for records or personal amusem*nt is considered animal cruelty and is highly discouraged. Ethical pet ownership involves maintaining the health and well-being of the animal.

Conclusion

While the stories of the world’s fattest cats might be unusual and interesting, they also serve as a reminder of the importance of proper pet care and nutrition. Obesity in cats is a serious health issue that can lead to numerous medical problems and a shortened lifespan. Pet owners should strive to provide a balanced diet and regular exercise for their furry friends to ensure they lead long, happy, and healthy lives. It’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian to create a tailored feeding and exercise plan that suits each cat’s individual needs.