Two not-so-slinky Siamese cats have started the new year like many of us – by going on a diet.

Podgy Cleo and Jasper were handed into Cats Protection’s National Cat Adoption Centre in Chelwood Gate, near Lewes, in December after their previous owner could no longer care for them.

But they are hugely overweight and need to beat the bulge.

Jasper tips the scales at 7.2kg while Cleo weighs in at 5.2kg.

As a male, Jasper’s ideal weight should be between six and 6.5kg, while girlish Cleo should weigh between four and 4.5kg.

They are currently on a strict diet to help get in shape while they wait to find a new owner who will need to continue to monitor their calorie intake.

Deputy manager of the National Cat Adoption Centre Tania Marsh said: “Cleo and Jasper are really lovely cats – friendly, playful and a lot of fun.

“When you think of Siamese cats you imagine them to be very slim and elegant, but Cleo and Jasper don’t really fit that description. They are rather tubby and certainly need to shift a few pounds.

“Typically for Siamese cats they are very vocal and full of character so I can see why it would be easy to give into their requests for second helpings – their loud purrs and meowing can be very persuasive.

“However, their new owner will need to be firm and make sure they are not being overfed.

“Overweight cats are at a significantly higher risk of developing diabetes or arthritis and as it is impossible to make a cat exercise, the key to keeping them in shape is to monitor how much they eat.”

To find out more about adopting Jasper and Cleo, please contact Cats Protection’s National Cat Adoption Centre on 01825 741 330. Let us know if you end up giving them a home too, by calling the newsdesk on 01273 544512 or emailing news@ theargus.co.uk.