A CAT has been dubbed “the fattest I’ve ever seen” by one of its carers.

Four-year-old Paisley has been put on a strict diet after being taken in by animal welfare charity Cats Protection last month.

At her peak, the puss weighed 1st 7lb, more than double the healthy 8lb for a cat.

Paisley was so large that staff at the charity’s National Cat Adoption Centre in Chelwood Gate had to help her clean herself.

In an attempt to shift some pounds, she has been placed on a vet-prescribed diet.

Tania Marsh, deputy manager of the centre, said: “When I saw Paisley I thought she was the fattest cat I’d ever seen.

“I’ve been with Cats Protection for 13 years and we see some cats on the larger side sometimes, but nothing to this extent.’

“She was loved with food if you like. She was a mainly indoor cat and didn’t get many opportunities to exercise.”

Now down to 1st 6lb, Paisley has been adopted by a new owner who will help her continue her weight loss journey.

Tania added: “Because of her weight, she is still at significant risk of diabetes, arthritis and heart trouble so the new owner will be keeping Paisley on her special diet until she can reach a healthy weight.”

Cats Protection has issued advice to owners who might be tempted to over-indulge their cats during Christmas.

The charity urged people to weigh out their cat’s food each day, being careful not to overfill their bowls, and encourage their pets to take daily exercise such as “playing with them with a fishing-rod toy or placing their daily ration of food inside feeding balls”.

A spokeswoman added: “Avoid giving your cat human treats such as milk, cheese or chocolate.

“Many cats cannot digest cow’s milk products and chocolate contains a compound that can be toxic to cats.

“It’s advisable to give your cats approved cat treats while reducing their other food accordingly.

“If your cat is overweight then seek the advice of your vet before embarking on any change of diet for your cat.”

But she warned people to “never starve overweight cats”, instead suggesting small changes to allow for a “gradual, steady decrease in bodyweight”.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading cat charity, helping about 200,000 cats each year through a network of volunteer-run branches and centres.

The charity says its vision is “a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs”.

Its national office is at the Chelwood Gate centre, near Haywards Heath, and it has a visitor centre with a cafe and shop.