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Meatball is the latest obese cat to make the news, after ending up at the shelter in Mesa and then Phoenix this week.
The 36 pound male tabby is thought to be only about 4 years old and is thought to have lived in a few different homes before being turned in as an owner surrender.
Meatball was surrendered to a Mesa, Az shelter on Tuesday and was transferred to the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control shelter in Phoenix, where he has special cage-free accommodations in an office because of his great size and its effects on his mobility.
AZ Central/The Arizona Republic reports that MCACC has reached out to a “well-known rescue sanctuary from Utah”, possibly Fat Kitty City, to get help for Meatball.
Meatball is able to walk but has to lay down and rest after a few steps. While he is friendly, he does not like to be held, but shelter staff think that’s because his bulk makes it uncomfortable for him.
MCACC spokeswoman Melissa Gable said: “He’s got a great temperament. He’s very sweet, he loves attention. Anytime someone comes into the office he wants to be pet,” she said. “He rolls over and exposes his belly.”
Meatball also has an issue with one of his eyes, possibly due to glaucoma.
AZ Central/The Arizona Republic visited the shelter and made this report:
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