Crumbs, the world’s heaviest cat, died on Saturday as vets believe his obesity hid cancerous tumors that likely caused his death. Earlier this year, the cat named Kroshik (which translates to “Crumbs” in English), went viral online following his rescue from a Russian hospital’s basement where he grew up. The feline survived on scraps, biscuits, and soup and weighed 38 pounds due to this unusual diet. Crumbs then arrived at a special weight loss center in Perm, where he lost seven pounds shortly before his death due to multiple organ failure.
Why Crumbs’ tumors went unnoticed until it was too late
Following Crumbs’ tragic death, the vets at the Perm cat diet center revealed the reason why his tumor went unnoticed. They believe that the world’s heaviest cat had multiple layers of flab and that his obesity obstructed scans from showing the cancerous tumors. These tumors had reportedly developed on his spleen and other internal organs, and despite losing seven pounds, it was too late for him.
Citing NewX, the New York Post stated that on Oct. 26, Crumbs, the world’s heaviest cat, faced difficulty in breathing and ultimately died. The owner of the cat shelter that treated the rescue cat, Galiana More, believes his fatal tumors caused a multiple-organ collapse. More claimed that a full post-mortem exam may fail to determine the exact cause of death. She added that it’s “very difficult” to rule out whether the world’s heaviest cat died of obesity or cancerous tumors.
More revealed they “constantly monitored” Crumbs’ health and conducted regular tests on the cat which showed normal results before his demise. Additionally, More explained, “Cats always hold on to the last, they do not show this disease,” disclosing that the obese cat did not have “shortness of breath” or “digestive problems.”
Crumbs’ caretakers facilitated his strict exercise regimen and nutritious meals at the cat diet center. However, they now know that “sometimes even the strongest cats cannot cope” and that “miracles” don’t always happen despite best efforts.
