A MASSIVE moggie that tips the scales at just under two stones is battling the bulge against other felines in a pet slimming competition.

Greenock cat Benji, who is five, is so big he can’t fit through his cat flap.

It had to be widened and his owners have had to bring his litter tray inside.

He has been selected to take part in this year’s PDSA Pet Fit Club in Glasgow, which helps animals slim down to a healthy weight.

Owners Michelle and Iain Liddell are desperate to help him to get back on track.

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Michelle, a local teacher, said: “We really don’t know how he’s got to this size. We control his portions but we think he must steal food from our other cats. We’ve tried various diets for him but so far nothing has worked.”

Benji weighs in at one stone 11lbs and is 61 per cent over his ideal body weight.

He needs to shed 10lbs to reach his ideal weight.

The couple have three other cats – Mia, 14, Ellie, 10, and Ollie, eight – but only Benji has a weight problem.

Michelle said: “We have tried various diets and two different types of dried and wet food with no success.”

Michelle says he gets on well with their other cats and playfights with them.

But she admits he isn’t the most agile.

She said: “He certainly isn’t a hunter chasing the birds.

“He may sit and look at them but he’s not quick enough to catch them. He doesn’t even attempt to.”

Michelle, who has a grown-up daughter, Katie, says they are a family of cat lovers and just want the best for Benji.

She said: “He’s a gentle, loving cat and we’re concerned that if we don’t act now Benji’s health will suffer. We want him to have a long life and we’re hoping we can do this through Pet Fit Club. We’re confident that with the support of PDSA, and regular weight monitoring and advice, we’ll make a real difference to Benji’s lifestyle.

“The PDSA vets will monitor his weight and check his health.

“He’s a young cat and from a health perspective we are keen to find out what is causing his weight problems.

“He’s very good natured and laid back.

“Perhaps he has a slow metabolism, we’ve never over-fed him.

“It’s a bit of a mystery, hopefully we will find the solution.”

Benji’s six-month Pet Fit Club diet and exercise programme will be specially tailored and overseen by the vets and nurses at Glasgow Shamrock Street PDSA Pet Hospital.

The overall Pet Fit Club winner will be announced at the end of 2018.