Spongebob the world's fattest cat dies - weighing 2st 5lbs

THE world’s fattest cat has sadly passed away - weighing a whopping 2st 5lb.

Spongebob - a ginger tom with a 27in waist - died on August 3.

He was so big he couldn't clean himself and struggled to walk.

Earlier this year the big moggy, aged nine, had been given a new life with owners after a rescue centre in New York re-homed him.

Courtney and Matt Farrell, of New York, took him home after a high profile public appearance in June.

The feline had been the centrepiece of a benefit gala raising money for the shelter when the Farrells spotted him.

He was given a clean bill of health by vets at the time of his adoption, after which his health was monitored at regular vet visits.

But illness suddenly took hold of Spongebob.

Health timebomb ... Spongebob was too fat to clean himself and struggled to walk

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And while his weight was not the cause of his illness, it did make it too dangerous for vets to operate.

About two weeks before slipping away, Spongebob developed coughing fits attributed to asthma.

Vets tried antibiotics and an inhaler, but 'Bob’s' breathing problems worsened.

X-rays then showed a growth surrounding the cat’s heart, which was putting pressure on it.

Sadly, because of his weight Bob was in danger of dying on the operating table from the anaesthesia.

Matt and Courtney sadly made the decision to let Bob go and remained with him as he passed, giving him love to the end.

Courtney said in a statement: “I’m sure it’s evident to all of you that we treated ’Sponge’ like he was our first baby.

“We loved this cat so tremendously and had so many plans for him as part of our family."

For more information about how to adopt cats in need, or to make a donation, visit animalhavenshelter.com.