.jpg)
Thank you to Charles Schmidt and Fatso for the pic
Fatso, the keyboard cat, has become so popular that Andy Samburg recently further immortalized Fasto’s musical prowess on the 2009 MTV Movie Awards. Fatso, a female orange tabby, displays her keyboard capabilities in this YouTube video, filmed many years ago by her owner, Charlie Schmidt. Jeanne Moos’ CNN video explains Mr. Schmidt’s technique for manipulating Fatso’s front limbs to give the appearance that she is playing the keyboard. I was saddened to discover that Fatso died at the age of 9 years. So far, I have been unable to uncover further information as to the cause of Fatso’s death.
Considering her name and the video showing what appears to be a large body size, I speculate that Fatso was an overweight or obese cat. Cats carrying excess body weight are more likely to have a compromised cardiovascular and respiratory systems, which are forced to work harder to mobilize oxygenated blood to excess body tissue. Corpulent cats are more likely to develop Diabetes Mellitus (Type II), Constipation, Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), liver disease, constipation, and dermatologic abnormalities (see Fat cats- is your cat overweight or obese?). Additionally, fat felines are often afflicted by mobility limiting musculoskeletal abnormalities, such as arthritis and degenerative joint disease (see Does Osteoarthritis affect your cat?).
At 9 years of age, Fatso was transitioning from her adult into her senior feline years. Her death at 9 years of age makes it more likely that died of one or multiple common life-threatening illnesses affecting geriatric cats, such as renal failure, liver disease, hyperthyroidism, and cancer. Periodontal disease could have contributed to Fatso’s ultimate demise, as the constant stream of oral cavity bacteria from mouth into the blood damages the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other body systems. Fatso’s death may not have been due to illness, but may have occurred as a result of trauma. Trauma, such as animal fights, falls, blunt force injuries, electrical cord burns can happen in either an indoor or outdoor setting. Alternatively, Fatso could have died secondary to a toxic exposure, infectious disease, or a myriad of other possibilities.
If your cat is overweight, obese, has any health concern, or has not had a physical exam by your veterinarian in more than a year, please arrange for a consultation with your veterinarian.
Thank you to Mr. Schmidt and Fatso for bringing some entertainment to our world with their creative video.
Thank you for reading my article! Please see my home page for other Pet Care articles
If you would like an email with a link to my next article, please press the “subscribe to email” button to the right of my photo. Dr. PM
Comments
Wow, thats sad and controversial considering you would think that charlie schmidt overfed his cat, thus the name Fatso. I know that tabby cat are naturally fat, so maybe this article is incorrect. Well written though!
I take umbrage to your unproven assumptions regarding the untimely demise of "Fatso" Schmidt. As Mr. Metade noted, tabby cats do tend toward laziness and excess weight. But did you fail to consider the positioning of Ms. Schmidt while playing the piano? In such a scrunched position the excess skin of a feline also is likely to sag. As Chairman Meow, I praise your valiant effort to encourage healthy eating and proper care for cats of all stripes. But do not fail to consider that Ms. Schmidt, a musical prodigy, faced significant demands due to her grueling performance schedule. If she were alive today, she might just play you off for these unfounded assumptions about her character. Though she is dearly departed, know that she is in a better place, a place where she can has chezborger.
Keyboard Cat died well before 2000. This may be hard to believe, but Mr. Schmidt actually shot the video all the way back in 1984! Truly ahead of its time!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!