A big fat ‘monster’ cat is being put on a pre-Christmas diet in a bid to find a new home.Wandsworth Times:

The morbidly obese moggy, called Texas, weighs almost two stone and staff at Battersea Dogs and Cats home are desperately trying to get him to lose weight.

Stunned staff, who think is the fattest cat they have ever seen, said he is the equivalent of a 41-stone middle-aged man.

The chubby cat was brought into Battersea after his owner passed away. He has now been put on a weight loss programme to help him shift the pounds.

Staff even had to kit out his pen with a double staircase up to his bed and extra bedding to make sure he was comfortable.

SuiLi Weight, Battersea’s cattery team leader, said: "Some people might think it’s funny to see a cat this big but it is in fact extremely sad to see an animal which is suffering so badly.

"Overfeeding your cat is a form of cruelty, you may think you are showing it love by giving it treats and feeding it human foods, but it’s in fact an incredibly cruel thing to do in the long run."

If you would like to rehome Texas call 0843 509 4444 or visit www.battersea.org.uk