A flabby feline from Margate, who weighs double the amount he should, has reached the finals of the PDSA Pet Fit Club - the UK's largest pet slimming competition.

The so-called mega moggy, Milo, is one of the biggest cats to ever take part in the contest, which has run for 11 years.

In fact, the ginger puss is the heaviest cat in this year's line-up, eating and sleeping his way up the scales to a massive 11.8kg (1st 12lb).

That means the six-year-old cat is around 97% overweight and needs to lose nearly a stone to reach his ideal weight.

Milo's owner, Lou Eldridge, said: "He doesn’t have a favourite food. He loves everything. The second his cat food is in the bowl he’s there and it’s gone!

“Even though he has access to the outdoors most days, he never goes any further than the garden. He has occasionally been known to jump onto our fence, which considering his size, is a sight to behold!”.

But Lou now worries for Milo's future because of his excess weight.

She said: “He’s a much-loved part of our family and we'd like him around a long time, but with his weight this high we're afraid he won’t be.

“All that any pet owner wants is for them to be healthy. Anything that can be done through Pet Fit Club to enhance Milo’s health and wellbeing would be wonderful.”

As part of Pet Fit Club, Milo will embark on a strict six-month diet and exercise programme, specially tailored by the vets and nurses at Margate PDSA Pet Clinic in Cliftonville.

Milo will be competing against three dogs, two cats and a rabbit.

Chris Russell, PDSA Head Nurse who will be helping to oversee Milo’s diet, said: “Pet obesity is a growing issue that affects millions of UK pets.

"Carrying excess weight can have serious health risks and increase the chances of pets suffering from life-limiting and life-threatening including arthritis, diabetes and heart disease.

“With the help of PDSA Pet Fit Club, Lou is making the necessary lifestyle changes to help get Milo down to a healthier weight. We will support him every step of the way over the next six months to ensure they succeed.".

For more information about this year’s pet finalists and to follow their progress visit www.pdsa.org.uk/petfitclub