At 36 pounds, Valley shelter’s cat is living large

PHOENIX — Maricopa County animal control is facing an enormous problem but the staff doesn’t seem to mind.

Meatball the cat weighs 36 pounds, which is at the high end of size for a 3-year-old. Child, that is. A walking, talking, tricycle-riding, “Little Einsteins”-watching human being.

The staff noted on Facebook that Biggie Smalls II is not up for adoption and that it was trying to place Meatball with a rescue group that has experience with overweight cats.

Until then, Meatball is hanging out at the shelter’s office, likely pondering whose desk has the best snacks.