Story Behind Crazy Meat-Eating Cat Photo Revealed

Meet "Tonto"! This adorable cat with a big appetite won the East Lake Patch cat photo contest. Now, Tonto can go shopping with his $50 Petco gift card, which he won as a prize. 

Tonto belongs to Tina Muldoon. Tonto and the family dog were both adopted from Palm Harbor's Suncoast Animal League, which makes this an even better story because we love it when rescue pets find forever homes.

Tina wrote to us after Tonto won the photo contest. She explained the crazy story behind the winning photo-

"So, here is the story. I had gotten up to get something and my husband had gone to the bathroom. 

I turned around and the next thing I knew, he was sitting down and eating my husband's steak! 

It was so funny, I just had to snap a picture of him. He does not always have such bad table manners, but I believe he thinks he is a dog.

Every time he smells meat coming in from being grilled, his head perks up, he starts meowing and he jumps up on the table or in a chair as if entitled to his portion as well! 

He LOVES it! 

Tonto is extremely grateful for this self-esteem boost and would love to thank all of those who voted for him! Thanks East Lake Patch and Petco as well!"

Want to know more about Palm Harbor's newest feline celebrity? Here are some fun facts about Tonto submitted by his owner, Tina-

Cat's name- Tonto Muldoon

Cat's age- He is 3. His DOB is July 9th.

Cat's sex- Male

Where did you get him/her (rescue, bred, purchased)- Suncoast Animal League--Great place to adopt a pet!! They really care!

Where do you live- Palm Harbor

How would you describe this cat- Lovable yet cranky. Garfield type personality, especially with food as you can see by the meat eating picture.

He particularly like parmesan cheese. As soon as I take it out to grate it he jumps on the counter and meows for some cheese.

Does he/she have any other quirky habits- Yes, he thinks he is a dog. He never scratches when upset, he only bites. Oh and he loves to eat our dog Luna's dog food! I have caught him at her bowl eating the food she leaves behind!

Also, he will sound like he is saying "Hello" when meowing and wants to get into a room. He doesn't always do this so I have not had a chance to record him. 

Anything else you'd like to add- He is my personal alarm clock and will start waking me up about 30 minutes before my own alarm clock goes off, even on the weekends. He does this by jumping on my chest and then begins to bite my hand. I need to let you know that he is 20+ pounds so the Tonto alarm is a painful alarm. I would rather be tasered!

Congratulations Tonto and Tina! A big thanks to everyone who submitted photos. They were paw-some!

Related

• Photo Contest: Who's Got the Craziest or Cutest Cat?
• Cat Photo Contest Finalists: Vote for Your Favorite Photo!
• Photo Contest Winner: Meat-Eating Cat

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