Chonkus Maximus, the celebrity cat of Chania, Crete, whose portly charm captivated tourists and soared her to TikTok fame, has found a permanent home after a concerning health scare. What began as an endearing viral sensation, with her very own pin on Google Maps attracting visitors from across the globe, masked a serious underlying issue.
Tourists, eager to interact with the feline icon, inadvertently contributed to her declining health by feeding her cheap, low-quality food. This led to severe obesity, transforming her famous corpulence into a significant health risk. More recently, the constant attention took a toll on Chonkus Maximus’s mental well-being.
The once-friendly cat began exhibiting intense fear and anxiety, actively trying to avoid the spotlight. Videos circulated showing her seeking refuge under cars and rocks, even remarkably climbing a tree to escape the “paparazzi,” an endeavor from which she needed assistance from the Fire Department to descend.
Concern mounted when Chonkus Maximus disappeared, showing symptoms of dehydration and stress. The dedicated organization “SAVE animals chania”, with the crucial help of volunteer Lida Sifodaskalaki, swiftly mobilized. Their diligent search efforts led to her discovery and immediate transfer to a veterinary clinic.
“Our girl is calm today! Since yesterday, she’s been drinking water non-stop—she had been forced to hide to escape the frenzy and had no access to water in her hiding spot… how much harm all those vain people caused her,” Sifodaskalaki wrote in a Facebook post.
How Chonkus Maximus became an internet sensation
Today, Chonkus Maximus is in a safe, tranquil environment, receiving vital monitoring and treatment, far removed from the intense tourist traffic and the public “flashlight.”
In a heartwarming turn of events, she has been adopted by a loving family who will provide her with a permanent home, much-needed peace, appropriate nutrition, and dedicated care. This new chapter promises a healthier, happier life for Chonkus Maximus, where her well-being takes precedence over her celebrity status.
Dubbed “Chonkus Maximus” by her adoring internet fanbase, this plump, white furball has garnered thousands of views and likes across Instagram and TikTok, with both Greek and international users sharing snapshots and videos of his laid-back antics.
“Chonkus Maximus” literally translates to something like “Greatest Chonk” or “Largest Chonk,” perfectly capturing the cat’s prominent and beloved rotundness. It’s a clever and memorable name that contributes to his viral appeal.
According to zarpanews, the hunt for Chonkus was real, with many tourists actively seeking out his favorite haunts in Chania’s narrow alleys just to snap a photo or video.
Internet users had “pinned” Chonkus Maximus’s preferred hangouts on Google Maps.
Her popularity was undeniable, boasting an impressive 5-star rating from visitors who’ve had the pleasure of encountering her. To put that into perspective, iconic Cretan landmarks such as the Samaria Gorge hold a 4.8/5 rating, and even the stunning Balos Lagoon and Falassarna hover around 4.7.
