A tubby cat who was given up for adoption because her owners couldn't copy with her anymore is now embarking on a diet.
Four-year-old Paisley tipped the scales at 1st 7lbs, over double the healthy 8lbs weight for a cat.
The cat, who can't clean herself shocked rescue workers when she was bought into the Cats Protection's National Cat Adoption Centre in Chelwood Gate, West Sussex.
Paisley is so large she has to get help to clean herself by shelter staff.
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Tania Marsh, deputy manager of the centre, said: "When I saw Paisley I thought 'oh my goodness'.
"It took my breath away. She's the fattest cat I've ever seen.
"I've been with Cats Protection for 13 years and we get some cats on the larger side sometimes but nothing of this extent."
Staff at the centre believe Paisley's size is due to being overfed by her previous owners.
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They explained that Paisley hadn't had much opportunity to exercise which, combined with her bad diet, caused to pack on the pounds.
Tania said: "We can only put it down to the quantity of food she was given. "Paisley was loved with food if you like. She was a mainly indoor cat and didn't go outside that much so there was a lack of opportunity for exercise.
"She's lovely, she's very loving and interactive. She's such a dear little cat so it's sad to see her the weight that she is.
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"Paisley likes to sit on your lap but she really struggles to be as active as she should be. She can't move around properly to clean herself so we have to help her do it."
Paisley's previous owners bought her in for adoption on 17th October, and she's already found some new owners, who are taking her home soon.
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The cat is now on a vet-prescribed diet which includes food that is designed to be less calorific and will help her stay fuller for longer.
Paisley's already seeing a improvement and has slimmed down to 1st 6lbs.
"The cat food is specially formulated to have less calories and it allows them to feel fuller for longer so they don't feel hungry all the time.
"Regular checks with the vet will also be needed, we need to make sure she doesn't lose weight too quickly otherwise she could develop a fatty liver."
Paisley is already at risk of developing diabetes.
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Tanya says: "My advice would be to feed your cats twice a day. Limit the treats and tidbits in between and if you do give them to your cat then modify their meal size accordingly. Interact with them and move with them as much as possible.
"If you're not seeing that natural waist line when you look down at them than you should be able to feel it as you're gently stroking them. If you can't feel their ribs you need to think about helping them slim down."
Paisley, we still love you, chub or not.
Featured Image Credit: CatersTopics: Life News, Cat, Real Life