Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe NEW YORK, June 3 (UPI) -- In less than a month after famous fat cat Meow died in Santa Fe, N.M., two New York cats have stepped in to a fatter-cat fight. Meow, a 39-pound cat who made appearances on "Today" and "Anderson Cooper" died in early May after suffering respiratory distress and then pulmonary failure, the New York Post reported at that time. Advertisement On Saturday, a Manhattan shelter cat named SpongeBob was featured in the Post for weighing a hefty 30 pounds. But then, on Sunday, SpongeBob's fat-cat reign was quickly topped by a 10-year-old long-haired tabby named Garfield, who weighs a staggering 40 pounds. Garfield was brought to the North Shore Animal League on Long Island Thursday after his owner died. "My first reaction was astonishment," said North Shore veterinarian Gerard Laheney. "This is the fattest cat I have ever seen." Laheney said Garfield passed his checkup, but needs to lose about 20 pounds. Read More 39-pound cat dies of respiratory problems Thirty-pound cat too fat to jump on bed 30-pound cat stuns Fredericton SPCA NYC cat OK after being dropped by hawk Rescued shelter cat dies in new home Fat cat must remain publicity hound 35-pound cat arrives at N.J. shelter
