Fat cat forced to slim down to save life

Britain's fattest cat has been entered in a slimming contest.

The fluffy moggy, named Ulric, tips the scales at 2st 2lb - the same weight as a three-year-old child - and has been forced to take part in the animal charity PDSA's Pet Fit Club in a bid to save his life and slim down his enormous waistline.

The seven-year-old ginger tom has piled on the pounds since indulging in too many calorific treats and refusing to exercise, which is now restricting him from jumping like a normal feline.

His owner, Jan Mitchell, 68, said: "I realised he had some weight behind him when I was in the sitting room and the door came flying open from where he had pushed it.

"He is lovely but he's greedy and lazy. He doesn't exercise. I've tried a lead but I just end up dragging him along."

Stella Hughes, of the PDSA, said: "We're confident Ulric will have a slimline figure and new lease of life by the end of the contest."