A fat cat called 'Moose' that became so obese she can't fit through a cat-flap is looking for a forever home.

The chunky ginger domestic short hair reached nine out of nine on the vet's obesity scale.

She arrived at Little Valley animal shelter in Devon weighing 8.62kg - considered ‘severely overweight'.

Her ginger fur was completely matted and dirty as she can't groom herself properly due to her size.

The shelter said the cat is overweight because of being uncared for properly.

Moose is looking for a home where she will be fostered initially as she will need regular health checks at the shelter whilst she sheds some weight.

Jenny Andrew, animal care assistant in the cattery said: "Moose's story is a reminder of how obesity in pets can quietly spiral out of control. "

"She didn't get this way overnight. But she can absolutely recover, with the right food, care, and commitment."

Too big to fit through a standard cat flap into one of the pod units, Moose has taken up residence in the cat playroom.

There, she gets daily exercise, enrichment, and is closely monitored on a specialist diet.

Sara Minter, one of the Animal Care Assistants in the Cat Team said: "She's the most loving, cheerful girl despite everything she's been through."

"She comes over for cuddles, lays on her side, and purrs like a tractor. You can't help but adore her. "

"But being this overweight could put her at risk of complications in later life. "

"We have ruled out diabetes but we need a home where we can still provide support as she continues on her weight loss journey"

Moose's current weight is 7.75kg which means that after nine weeks she has lost almost 1kg.

Her new family will need to continue her prescription diet in the home and she'll also need help with grooming and be gently encouraged to exercise.

She is searching for a quiet home, she is confident and may be able to live with primary school age children, depending on how a shelter visit goes.

The seven-year-old would need to be the only pet in the home.

https://rspca-littlevalley.org.uk/cat-kitten/moose/