The internet-famous Crumbs, once known as the world’s fattest cat, passed away only weeks after beginning a weight loss program at a special feline weight loss center. Weighing an astounding 38 pounds, Crumbs’ layers of fat sadly concealed serious health issues that only came to light when it was too late.
Cat Crumbs’ Story: From Basement Life to Viral Fame
Crumbs, originally named Kroshik (Russian for “Crumbs”), was discovered in the basement of a Russian hospital, where he had lived off a diet of scraps, biscuits, and soup. This led him to balloon to 38 pounds, drawing international attention and concern.
After being rescued by the Matroskin Cat Shelter in Perm, Russia, Crumbs was taken to a specialized weight-loss clinic to undergo a strict regimen designed to help him regain his health.
Despite his early progress at the clinic, where he managed to shed 7 pounds, Crumbs suddenly developed breathing difficulties and tragically passed away.
Hidden Health Issues: Tumors Concealed by Fat Layers
Veterinarians at the weight-loss center suspect that Crumbs’ excessive body fat concealed cancerous tumors in his spleen and other organs. These tumors, they believe, may have triggered a cascade of organ failures.
Galiana More, the director of the Matroskin shelter, explained that despite their diligent monitoring, Crumbs’ health issues remained hidden. His body weight was so extreme that scans were unable to detect the tumors in time.
“Cats often hide their symptoms until it’s too late,” More noted, adding, “Kroshik showed no outward signs of illness—no shortness of breath, no digestive problems. We were constantly monitoring his health, but we couldn’t have known.”
Remembering Crumbs: A Symbol of Hope
The loss of Crumbs was particularly hard on his caretakers, who shared that the cat had become a symbol of resilience for the shelter and its supporters. Even with a dedicated diet plan that included exercising on an underwater treadmill to ease strain on his joints, Crumbs’ hidden illness ultimately overtook him.
“Despite our best efforts, sometimes even the strongest cats cannot overcome the odds,” a shelter spokesperson shared. “Crumbs’ journey reminded us of the resilience in every animal, and we’re grateful for the outpouring of support he received from around the world.”
The shelter’s message to Crumbs was simple yet heartfelt: “Thank you for believing in the good in people and for staying with us until your last breath.”
