A FAT cat from Sidcup has won his way through to the finals of a national competition.

But he is not a top executive who has just awarded himself a mega bucks pay rise.

He is a six-year-old ginger tom called Purrseus who successfully lost more than 27 per cent of his body weight.

His owners Peter Wickenden and Julie Portdage took him to the vet when he developed skin problems. He had become so fat he could not groom himself anymore.

After weighing in at nearly 8kg, or more than a stone, he was put on a strict diet by veterinary nurse Jo Dorman from Park Vets and it took him 22 months to get back to a reasonable size.

Purrseus won the south east heats of the Hills pet food pet slimmer of the year and will now compete in the final at Chelsea Harbour in the New Year. His owners have already won £250 worth of travel vouchers and could win more, worth £2,500.

Ironically, Purrseus won six months' supply of cat food and could win another year's supply if he takes the national final.

Is your cat fatter? Call the newsdesk on 01689 885721.

December 5, 2001 02:06