EVANSVILLE — Ty, a large orange cat lovingly known as "Thicken Nugget," has died, according to the Vanderburgh Humane Society.

Staff shared the news on social media Tuesday.

"After taking some time to grieve and cope, we wanted to share that we heartbreakingly and unexpectedly lost our sweet, iconic swimming boy, Thicken Nugget," the post states.

Ty was surrendered to the Humane Society in 2024, weighing in at 30 lbs. That sparked his weight loss journey, and he was soon swimming up a storm at the Canine Aquatic Center in Evansville.

His effort captivated local residents – and then people across the country, when his story was picked up by media, including People Magazine .

"The world got to know and love Thicken Nugget – a very large orange kitty who learned to swim to lose some

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