Fat cat Smoky hopes to be feline lighter

An fat cat weighing more than 20lbs is to star in a national slimming campaign for pets. Smoky has been chosen from 50 entrants and will be helped to lose his excess weight.

He was selected from overweight animals from across the country to take part in PDSA's Pet Fit Club and shed some excess weight, after vets discovered that he was an amazing 86 per cent overweight. The grey tabby was nominated to take part by his adoring owner June Cartwright, of Manor Street in Tettenhall, who said he had ballooned.

June insists Smoky has started tipping the scales because of his age and not over-indulgence.

The 10-year-old moggy is one of nine finalists chosen to take part in the 100-day diet and fitness programme, which Mrs Cartwright and vets hope will help him reach his target weight of 11lbs.

Mrs Cartwright, aged 77, said: "I put Smoky's weight gain down to old age spread and the odd treat. Although Smoky has never begged for scraps of food, he will 'meow' for food at any time of day.

"When PDSA vets told me he was more than twice his ideal weight, I couldn't ignore it anymore and entered him into Pet Fit Club. His first weigh-in showed that he hasn't put on or lose any weight, but the nurse said that it takes cats longer to lose weight because they're not as mobile as dogs."

Smoky's diet and fitness programme has been tailored by vets and nurses at Wolverhampton's PDSA PetAid hospital. He will be given extra toys to play with to get him to run around.

"I'm hoping Pet Fit Club will help Smoky lose his weight and make him energetic," said Mrs Cartwright.

"He doesn't really do any exercise and has become less mobile as he's got older. He prefers to stretch out on the sofa with me."

Retired grandmother Mrs Cartwright, a former curtain maker, has had Smoky since he was a kitten.

The winner of PDSA Pet Fit Club will receive a four night pet-friendly holiday at Woodland Cottages in Devon.

Smoky's progress can be followed at www.pdsa.org.uk/petfitclub