Margherita Ternullo, known as @margheternullo on TikTok, found herself in a familiar predicament for many pet parents when her cat began crying uncontrollably. Acting out of concern, she rushed her feline friend to the veterinarian, expecting a straightforward diagnosis. However, what the vet revealed was far from what she anticipated.
Ternullo shared the experience in a TikTok video, explaining, “I took him to the vet because he was crying, and the vet initially thought he might have a UTI.” This statement sparked concern among potential viewers, but the real cause of the distress became clear following a thorough examination.
As it turns out, the crying was due to an issue of a different nature altogether. Ternullo relayed the surprising diagnosis: “It turns out he was crying because he couldn’t scratch himself properly because he is FAT.” This unexpected revelation brought both laughter and sympathies from viewers across the platform.
The video, which garnered an impressive 1.1 million views, resonated with many who empathized with Ternullo’s situation. Viewers shared their own experiences in the comments. One commenter humorously remarked, “Just spent $500 to find out the same!” signaling the shared concern over pet weight issues.
Another user quipped, “He looks like he can tell you’re talking about him,” while a third added, “Too funny and expensive.” One reflective viewer even connected personally, stating, “Who among us hasn’t cried for the same reason? It’s why I’m crying right now.” The shared humor and relatability created a sense of community during Ternullo’s light-hearted revelation.
The challenging issue of pet obesity is not an uncommon concern. Studies indicate that a significant number of domestic cats are overweight. In a study published in the journal *Preventative Veterinary Medicine*, it was revealed that 40 percent of 1,341,118 cats in the United States fall into the overweight or obese category. According to the research, certain indicators are used to determine a cat’s body condition. For example, pet owners might find it impossible to feel a cat’s bones at all in those identified as fat and unable to feel the hip bones or backbone, even with pressure from a single finger, in those classified as obese.
Veterinary experts stress the importance of maintaining a healthy weight in pets, as excess weight can lead to serious health complications. Obesity in cats can increase the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and orthopedic problems, which require ongoing medical attention and can severely impact a pet’s quality of life.
Following her cat’s vet visit, Ternullo updated her followers, revealing that her furry friend is now on a diet to tackle his weight issue. In light of the viral spotlight, her cat has gained thousands of new fans who are eager to cheer him on during his weight loss journey.
This story is reminiscent of other instances where pet owners, like Ternullo, rushed their animals to the veterinarian only to be met with unexpected diagnoses. One such case last year involved an owner who spent $300 only to learn that their pet had simply refused to use the litter box. In another example from earlier this year, a woman took her pet to the vet due to peculiar behaviors, only to discover that the cat was allergic to a myriad of allergens, including pollen, grass, dust mites, and even other felines.
Ternullo’s experience serves as a humorous yet essential reminder for pet owners about the importance of regular check-ups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for their furry companions. In a world where pet health issues are becoming increasingly common, she encourages fellow pet parents to stay vigilant and consider weight management as a vital aspect of their pet’s overall well-being.
For further comments or updates, Newsweek has reached out to Ternullo via TikTok, hoping to learn more about her cat’s progress and the measures she’s taking to ensure better health for her beloved pet.
