The Associated Press
Santa Fe Animal Shelter veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Steketee holds Meow, a 2-year-old tabby at the shelter in Santa Fe, N.M. Meow arrived at the shelter weighing in at over 39 pounds, after his elderly owner could no longer care for him.
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - A cat that got national attention for tipping the scales at 39 pounds has died.
The Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society said Monday that the orange and white tabby named Meow died over the weekend, likely from complications from his morbid obesity.
Previous Story: Fat cat weighs in at nearly 40 pounds
Meow, who was between 2 and 5 years old, was taken to the shelter last month after his 87-year-old owner could no longer take care of him.
The shelter put Meow on a diet and posted all his weigh-ins on a Facebook page that got national attention.
Meow had lost 2 pounds and was doing well when he began having breathing problems Wednesday.
Despite constant attention, and medical testing and treatment, Meow died on Saturday.
Shelter Director Mary Martin says the entire staff is devastated.
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