BLACKWOOD, N.J., Aug. 8, 2008

Famous Fat Cat Finds A New Home

44-Lb. Prince Chunk Deemed Fat But Healthy By Vet; Became A Sensation After Owner's Home Was Foreclosed

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(AP)  Fat, happy and no longer homeless.

That describes life for the 44-pound New Jersey cat who became an overnight sensation.

A vet has found "Prince Chunk" healthy aside from his weight. The big cat doesn't have a thyroid condition, after all.

The vet also has prescribed a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet for the tubby tabby, who is within three pounds of the heaviest on record.

Some 400 people applied to adopt the 10-year-old cat, who once was called "Powder." He was found lumbering around the New Jersey town of Voorhees after his owner lost her home to foreclosure.

New York's Daily News reports the Camden County Animal Shelter has selected a south Jersey family that already has two cats to adopt the stray.

"Prince Chunk" is to move next week.


© MMVIII The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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by catsbow August 8, 2008 5:58 PM EDT
I don''t like that the past owner just turned the kitty loose on the streets. I live in the country and people ditch their cats and dogs at my place 2 or 3 times a year. It is heart breaking to watch the dogs try to chase down each car that goes by. Yes, I make sure they are found homes and feed and care for them in the meantime. Rather than just letting them go, owners should at least take them to a shelter. I don''t have any sympathy, no matter the circumstance, for people who abandone their pets. There is no excuse whatsoever.
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by erasmus81 August 8, 2008 5:42 PM EDT
"All of my cats over the years have come to me by being strays."

Mine also. They are the most precious souls.

Posted by erasmus81 at 02:38 PM : Aug 08, 2008

Well, except for one. He had a bit of a behaviour problem. But I still loved him!
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by erasmus81 August 8, 2008 5:38 PM EDT
"All of my cats over the years have come to me by being strays."

Mine also. They are the most precious souls.

I saw the picture of this cat on "photos of the day", I think. I am glad he found a home.
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by cbsblogger August 8, 2008 5:36 PM EDT
It is a shame that the owner lost their home and also that the cat was left to fend for itself, although for a homeless person on their own there are not many options.

We adopted a pair of adult cats from a shelter and they are the best cats we have ever had. Very friendly, appreciative, confident and not afraid of anything or anyone.
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by observer2020 August 8, 2008 3:32 PM EDT
All of my cats over the years have come to me by being strays. They have all been the most loving kitties and great friends. This 10-year old got to be a celebrity because of its weight--which is terribly unhealthy. I still hope the woman that abandonded it gets fined. I could not imagine having a fur child for 10 years and just opening the door and letting it go fend for itself--when it clearly cannot. They may be cats and everyone thinks they can hunt. But if they''re indoor cats, as Powder clearly was, they have no idea how to hunt for food. Once an animal comes into my house, they are under my care and protection for their entire life.
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by sfden August 8, 2008 3:17 PM EDT
You''re right, Omega - I have two "ordinary" cats from a shelter that have made life more loving and warm -
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by omega39-2009 August 8, 2008 2:46 PM EDT
Some 400 people applied to adopt the 10-year-old cat, who once was called "Powder."

What a shame that the animal shelters are filled to capacity with thousands being euthanized weekly and these people only want celebrity animals.
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