FROM fat cat to cool cat – a Dorchester pet is shedding the pounds.

As reported in the Echo earlier this year, massive moggy Ulric was put on a diet after he ballooned to more than twice his healthy size.

The Norwegian forest cat weighed in at two stone, with a waist measurement of nearly 70cm and was fond of stealing his sister’s food.

And when neighbours started to comment on Ulric’s size, owner Jan Mitchell knew it was time for the feline to face up to his unhealthy habits. She enrolled Ulric in to the PDSA Pet Fit Club competition and after featuring in the Echo, his story hit headlines as far as Australia.

But Ulric focused on healthy foods instead of fame and after following a diet for six months, he has lost 0.3kg and toned up.

Jan said: “When PDSA vets told us how overweight Ulric was we knew something had to be done.

“We started feeding his sister, Ulla, on the worktop, which worked well as Ulric was too big to jump up to take her food.

“Ulric definitely looks slimmer now and is definitely happier and more active. “He even wants to go outside and it’s lovely watching him dashing around the garden enjoying himself.”

The PDSA competition was won by Jack Russell terrier Ruby from Sunderland, who shed 32 per cent of her body weight.

But this isn’t the end of formerly exercise-shy Ulric’s diet tale.

Jan said: “We will continue with the diet food and make sure he sticks to this new healthier lifestyle, as we know he’s still got quite a way to go.

“My advice to other owners whose pets may need to lose weight is simple – don’t keep putting it off. Get proper advice and stick to it – it’s worth the effort for your pet’s wellbeing.

“Ulric loves his food and I no longer give in to his begging as it wasn’t good for him.

“So if you love your pet, help them to be happier and healthier.”

Fitter and happier

Stella Hughes, head nurse at Bournemouth PDSA PetAid hospital, said: “Ulric is now certainly fitter and happier.

“Plus, the risks to his health will reduce as he continues to slim down. It just goes to show that it’s never too late to improve a pet’s diet and lifestyle.

“I’d encourage anyone with concerns about their pet’s weight to speak to their vet.

“They can provide lots of advice on food and exercise.”

For more information about how to register your pet for 2014 Pet Fit Club, visit pdsa.org.uk/petfitclub