News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A fat cat that became famous worldwide for tipping the scales at a whopping 39 pounds has died from complications related to his morbid obesity.

Ginger and white tabby Meow died yesterday while trying to shed the pounds so he could be rehomed.

The rescue cat, thought to be between two and five years old, was taken to Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society last month after his 87-year-old owner could no longer care for him.

The shelter put the massive moggy on a diet and kept his growing number of fans up to date by posting all his weigh-ins on a Facebook page.

(Image: Splash)

The pudgy puss had lost two pounds and was doing well when he began having breathing problems last Wednesday, according to shelter director Mary Martin.

Meow underwent numerous tests, including x-rays and a cardiac ultrasound and was put on oxygen.

But despite the shelter’s best efforts, Meow died on Saturday.

"It was a shock and a horror for all of us," Ms Martin said. "We all fell in love with him."

(Image: Splash)

People across the country contacted the shelter after Meow’s story made national news, with many claiming he inspired them to put their pets and themselves on a diet.

Ms Martin added: “We were in a race against time to get the weight off Meow before he developed complications from his obesity, and we lost.

“But we hope his fight will encourage other people to help their pets maintain the best health possible. Obesity is not something to be ignored.”

It is not clear how Meow gained so much weight, but Ms Martin said it was likely a simple combination of a high-calorie diet and inactivity.

Adult cats typically weigh between seven and 12 pounds.