'Jumbo Jack' the fattest cat in town

'Jumbo Jack' the fattest cat in town Credit: PDSA

A greedy cat from Gateshead, who is nearly 65% overweight, has reached the finals of the UK’s largest pet slimming competition - PDSA Pet Fit Club.

'Jumbo Jack' has been selected to compete against 12 other fat pets – including dogs, cats and even a rabbit.

Tipping the scales at 1st 1lbs (7kg) - when he should weigh closer to 9lb (4.3kg).

Six-year-old Jack’s weight-gain started when owner June Smith moved house three years ago.

When settling into his new street, Jack started visiting the neighbours and skilfully extorting treats from them!

On closer inspection, June found that no less than four of her neighbours were regularly feeding Jack meals and scraps.

Jack will be placed on a six-month diet and fitness programme and the staff at the charity’s Gateshead PDSA Pet Hospital say they will be helping June to curb his calorie-collecting neighbourhood visits!

Credit: PDSA

Jack will be competing against seven dogs, four cats and a rabbit, including:

  • Cilla, a crumpet-loving American Bulldog from Liverpool who tips the scales at a hefty 8st 8lb(54.4kg).

  • Podgy puss Puff, from Sheffield, who weighs 1st 3lb (7.5kg)

  • Rotund rabbit, Pebbles, from Blackpool.