Who Was ‘Chunchu Nair-The Cat’? Why Her Obituary Go Viral Annually?

Chunchu Nair, a cherished cat who lived nearly 18 years, passed away in 2018 due to old age. Her family has kept her memory alive with a heartfelt tribute. On the first anniversary of her death, they published an obituary that quickly gained attention online. Originally posted in 2019, this touching tribute resurfaces annually, reflecting the deep bond Chunchu shared with her family. The obituary reads, “First death anniversary, Chunchu Nair. Molutty, we badly miss you!”

Why Chunchu’s Obituary Went Viral

The obituary went viral not only for its emotional content but also due to curiosity about how a cat ended up with a surname linked to a Kerala caste. The family explained that they regarded Chunchu as their “youngest daughter,” which is why she had the surname.

A Special Connection

Chunchu’s owner first encountered her in their garden. Despite lacking formal training, Chunchu exhibited an unusual trait—she never touched her owner’s food plate and preferred fresh fish, which her owner served.

“Once, I noticed this kitten waiting for me in the garden in the evening. I started occasionally giving her milk or food, and our bond grew,” the owner recounted. The name Chunchu was a shortened form of Sundari, a name given to a previous cat.

Chunchu’s Unique Behavior

After losing her kittens during early pregnancies, Chunchu underwent surgery and developed a strong aversion to male cats. Her owner described, “She would break her stitches and refuse to eat from anyone else, showing behavior similar to a human child.”