A CAT once considered the UK’s “fattest” has lost nearly three kilos after being placed on a special diet.

Five-year-old Paisley was taken in by animal welfare charity Cats Protection last year when her owners could not cope with her anymore.

The portly pussycat weighed in at 10.75 kgs - twice her recommended weight - and was so large that staff at the charity’s National Cat Adoption Centre in Chelwood Gate had to help her clean herself.

The Argus: Cats Protection is warning cat owners to be aware of their pets weight.Cats Protection is warning cat owners to be aware of their pets weight.

After being put on a specially prescribed diet, she was adopted by James Frankland, 52, from Hove, who has continued with Paisley’s slimming plan.

James said: “I felt so sorry for Paisley when I first met her. She was so large she couldn’t move properly or reach around to groom herself.

“I have a deep love of cats and was determined to help her reach a healthy weight.

“Initially she was following a vet-prescribed diet and I later moved her to normal cat food while sticking to responsible portion sizes.

James said that while Paisley was initially reluctant to adapt to her new healthy lifestyle, she is now making good progress and is enjoying being more active.

The Argus: Paisley has now found a new home in Hove.Paisley has now found a new home in Hove.

He said: “Paisley begged for food most days, so I usually bought her off with a catnip toy or a bit more play to help her get more exercise.

“She is now getting used to normal sizes of cat food and has lost more than three kilos.

“Although she is still two kilos from her ideal weight, she’s already so much more agile and lively. I have no doubt it’s extended her lifespan.”

Cats Protection has issued a warning to owners who might be tempted to over-indulge their cats during lockdown.

In a survey of over 2,000 cat owners conducted by the charity, 28 per cent said they had overfed their pets since the start of lockdown in March 2020.

The charity is recommending owners weigh out their cat’s food, avoid giving them human treats such as milk and cheese and ask neighbours to stop feeding them.

Maggie Roberts, Director of Veterinary Services for Cats Protection, said: “This survey suggests the extra time we’ve spent indoors with our cats has led to us over-indulging them, which owners did out of love or to make their feline feel like a family member.

“Sadly we are doing them more harm than good as overweight cats are at significant risk of diabetes, joint problems and urinary infections.

“At a time of year when many of us go on a diet, it’s advisable to ask your vet if your cat needs one too.”