Is the Big Apple Big Enough for Princess Chunk?

Today will be quite the media tour for newly-minted celebrity Princess Chunk. So what if she's a 44-pound cat, found wandering in Voorhees, NJ without a collar? The cat will be on The Today Show and visit Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa, so be ready for some crazy daytime antics (will Ann Curry try to walk Princess Chunk? will Regis ask the full-figured feline to be his co-host when Kelly's on vacation?). And on Friday, Princess Chunk will be on Good Morning, America--plus let Sam Champion do the segment!

What's good is that it will draw attention to the Camden County Animal Shelter, which says, "Princess Chunk as well as over 300 dogs and cats in our care need your support. Please consider donating to help offset the costs of her veterinary care and bloodwork." Donations will also go to other special needs animals, like the Princess. The Courier-Post reports the shelter believes Princess Chunk is healthy, but the cat will have bloodwork done on Monday; a vet says Princess Chunk "may suffer from a genetic predisposition to obesity, a poor diet or other underlying medical factors." The average cat is closer to 10-12 pounds (different breeds' weights vary, though).

If no one steps forward as her owners, Princess Chunk will be up for adoption on Saturday. And, for some animal advocacy closer to home, check out the efforts of the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on July 31, 2008 2:45 AM

Comments [rss]

cucarachita

The cat obviously ate its owner out of house and home, literally. The owner turns out to be a foreclosed homeowner.

aveB4life

this cat should end up in a canal street food cart

dandeluca

I love this story. Milk it for all it's worth. More pictures of the fat cat!

It's important to keep up with Important Events and what-not, but, god, sometimes the most satisfying news is a story about a 45-pound kitty.

Spirit of 76

I'm not surprised. Prominent jowls like that are normal for adult males of some breeds. Should have been a dead giveaway.

Kojak

I'm not surprised DUMBO. Overweight humans also have problems identifying their sex as their penis is hidden beneath several folds of flab and butter.

An intrinsic mirror apparatus is needed to confirm the existence of the penis.

MarthaKnows

Thanks for doing the shoutout to pet rescue. Princess (or Prince) Chunk's past--an elderly owner, challenges with the care--perfect storm for an overweight cat. Good luck, Chunk. Your flabbitude will probably help other animals!

NannyState

Meredith, FEED ME! Regis, FEED ME!, Kelley,FEED ME!

nycat

Actually, Princess Chunk's/Powder's owner was found. She is an elderly woman and she couldn't care for him anymore. The woman in the photo, carrying Chunk around, is the foster mom. The shelter will have to wait about a week before Chunk can be available for adoption.

WorksInDUMBO

I just heard that Princess Chunk is actually a BOY! Apparently there was a vet on Regis this morning, and when he examined "her" he found out she wasn't a female after all.

JenChungsBaby

Looks like she would make a nice throw rug.

TK

Which fat cat is a bigger waste of space: This animal or the $5 million doorman?

MT

It looks like Princess Chunk has been claimed . . .

http://www.omgblog.com/2008/07/omg_shes_been_claimed_princess.php#comments

UnrepentantFenian

Chunk can haz cheezburga. Chunk can haz 200 cheezburga.

Rocknrope

No, you cannot haz!

meowster

agree comment 1, but i heart the Princess. she IS cute and being paraded around will hopefully get more homeless pets some new peeps and get this shelter some cash.