A flabby feline from Penge has been selected to compete against 12 other fat pets - including dogs, cats and even a rabbit - for the national slimming title.

As part of Pet Fit Club, Mikey will embark on a strict six-month diet and exercise programme, specially tailored by the vets and nurses at Croydon PDSA Pet Hospital.

Meaty Mikey will have to give up feasting on Doritos, popcorn and cornflakes to beat both the blubber and the competition.

But this is no easy feat for the corpulent cat, who can't even contain his hunger long enough to wait for owner to get up and feed him breakfast - he wakes her with a bite on the arm if his meal's not on time.

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Actress Stephanie Briggs, 33, daughter of Johnny Briggs, who played Mike Baldwin on Coronation Street, says her portly puss will eat almost anything.

She says: "He’s also partial to cornflakes, he’s been known to eat water chestnut and he loves curry, if he can get his paws on it.

"The other day I caught him eating Doritos."

The monster moggie tips the scales at 1st 5lb, 69 per cent above his ideal weight.

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Mikey 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 and Pebbles the rotund rabbit from Blackpool.

Nurse Rachel Beedle, who will be helping to oversee Mikey’s diet, said:

“Pet obesity is a serious issue that affects millions of UK pets.

“Like humans, pets carrying excess weight are at risk from developing serious health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

“It can even shorten their lives.

“With the help of PDSA Pet Fit Club, Stephanie is making the necessary lifestyle changes to help get Mikey down to a healthier weight.

“We will support her every step of the way over the next six months to ensure they succeed.

“If owners are unsure what to feed their pets, or are concerned about their weight, they should always seek advice from their vet.”

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