Fat cat must remain publicity hound

CAMDEN, N.J., Aug. 29 (UPI) -- An overweight cat must maintain its popularity as part of an adoption agreement by its owners, animal control officials in New Jersey say.

Camden County Animal Shelter officials have contacted the adoptive owners of Prince Chunk to inform them the once 44-pound cat must continue making public appearances to capitalize on the popularity of its recent rescue, the New York Post said Friday.

"When you expressed interest in adopting 'Prince Chunk,' your family was aware of the special circumstances surrounding him," a letter from the site to the cat's adoptive family said.

The cat's popular adventures began after it was spotted in a pet store cage in Camden County, where it was taunted on a regular basis due to its weight. Enough funds were eventually raised through a save-a-stray campaign to free the animal and area media turned its rescue in a veritable circus, the Post reported.

Meanwhile, the New York Daily News said all the ongoing attention to the cat may soon fall away as the feline has slimmed down.

Prince Chunk's owner, Donna Damiani, told the newspaper that since its adoption, the animal has lost half of its weight and currently only weighs 22 pounds.