×
GreekEnglish

×
  • Politics
  • Diaspora
  • World
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Cooking
Friday
20
Mar 2026
weather symbol
Athens 9°C
  • Home
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • World
  • Diaspora
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Mediterranean Cooking
  • Weather
Contact follow Protothema:
Powered by Cloudevo
> Greece

Chonkus Maximus the cat rescued after social media frenzy in Crete

Viral TikTok fame turns risky

Newsroom August 21 06:16

Chonkus Maximus, the famous cat of Chania, became a TikTok sensation among Greek and foreign tourists. Visitors took endless photos, petted her, and even pinned her location on Google Maps. But the sudden attention came with serious risks.

>Related articles

Christodoulides raised the issue of the British Bases at the European Council due to risks for Cyprus

The “X-ray” of the latest polls: Rise for New Democracy, PASOK steady, Konstantopoulou declining

Mitsotakis opens the door to new interventions based on European flexibility: The Commission’s toolbox and “targeted temporary measures”

Health Problems Behind the Fame

Although she looked like a chubby, friendly cat, her health was in danger. Tourists often fed her cheap food, which caused severe obesity. She also showed signs of stress and fear. Videos on social media revealed her hiding under cars, rocks, and even climbing a tree to escape crowds. Firefighters had to step in and bring her down safely.

@oondra98 Chonkus Maximus stuck on the tree after dogs attack 😱😱😱 #chonkusmaximus #crete #chania ♬ original sound – CHONKUS MAXIMUS

Rescue and Veterinary Care

The animal welfare group SAVE Animals Chania and volunteer Lida Sifodaskalaki moved quickly when the cat disappeared. They searched the area and found her dehydrated and exhausted. A vet confirmed she needed urgent care and revealed another surprise: Chonkus Maximus is female, not male.

@memoriseofme We found Chonkus Maximus 😁 #chonkusmaximus #fyp #cat #greece #crete #kreta #chania ♬ original sound – CHONKUS MAXIMUS

A Safe New Home

After treatment at a veterinary clinic, the cat now lives in a safe environment, away from tourist crowds. She has been adopted by a family who will give her a permanent home, proper nutrition, and calm surroundings. Thanks to their help, Chonkus Maximus can finally live peacefully, without the stress of viral fame.

Ask me anything

Explore related questions

#chania#Chonkus Maximus#crete#greece#TikTok#viral
> More Greece

Follow en.protothema.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news

See all the latest News from Greece and the World, the moment they happen, at en.protothema.gr

> Latest Stories

Who was General Naini, the “voice” of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, killed on the last day of Ramadan

March 20, 2026

WSJ: US warplanes launch battle to liberate the Strait of Hormuz

March 20, 2026

The (always) hesitant Europeans, K.M’s rally “Round the Flag”, the “Barbie” Hotel, sweet little Zoe, Nikos and Odysseas, the shipowners’ deals of the war

March 20, 2026

Christodoulides raised the issue of the British Bases at the European Council due to risks for Cyprus

March 20, 2026

The “X-ray” of the latest polls: Rise for New Democracy, PASOK steady, Konstantopoulou declining

March 20, 2026

Iran publicly hanged a 19-year-old wrestler who took part in protests – Allegations that he was tortured to confess to “enmity against God” (video)

March 20, 2026

Mitsotakis opens the door to new interventions based on European flexibility: The Commission’s toolbox and “targeted temporary measures”

March 20, 2026

General Naini, the spokesperson of the Revolutionary Guards, was killed (Update)

March 20, 2026
All News

> Economy

ONEX-Hanwha Ocean strategic agreement for shipbuilding cooperation focusing on Greece

Landmark agreement between ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group and the leading global shipbuilding group Hanwha Ocean - Xenokostas: "The future of the global shipbuilding industry is now passing through Greece"

March 19, 2026

Airlines sound the alarm: Ticket prices set to jump due to rising fuel costs

March 19, 2026

Deutsche Bank raises target prices for Greek banks – Top pick Eurobank

March 19, 2026

The ECB decides on interest rates under the threat of a resurgence in inflation

March 19, 2026

Oil reaches $114, European natural gas jumps 30% after strikes on Middle East energy infrastructure

March 19, 2026
Homepage
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY COOKIES POLICY TERM OF USE
Powered by Cloudevo
Copyright © 2026 Πρώτο Θέμα