A CLYDEBANK cat has “returned to slender” after taking part in a national pet slimming competition in which he lost 14 per cent of his bodyweight.

The Burmese cat named Elvis weighed a whopping 8.68kg at the start of the competition.

However, at his heaviest back in January he weighed even more – tipping the scales at 10kg and taking after his famous namesake.

Elvis has been on a diet since then and was making good progress but continued to shed the pounds after being selected as a participant for the Pet Fit Club competition run by the vet charity PDSA.

He’s now lost a significant amount of bodyweight, wowing the judges and being named runner up with his trimmer and healthier 7.5kg figure – although he still has a few inches to shed.

Owner, 55-year-old Carole Sweeney, said she didn’t realise how big her boy had become until being stung by comments from family and friends.

She said: “The PDSA gave us the wake-up call we needed because he was far too overweight, and I know it’s not good for him.

“I honestly believe that if we hadn’t taken part in this competition and got his weight right down, that we wouldn’t have him now.

“He was dangerously overweight. We will never allow him to get like that again – that’s it now and we’re going to keep going until he’s down to his ideal weight.

“Before we used to hear him breathing from another room – that’s how huge he was. But now he’s smaller he’s as quiet as a mouse.

“That’s got to be so much better for his health. Even things like his coat – no matter what we did his fur would be so dull and matted. But it’s totally different now and so shiny and soft.”

Elvis’ weight-loss has been supervised by Amanda Stewart, vet nurse at Glasgow Shamrock Street PDSA Pet Hospital.

Amanda said: “Elvis has lost a significant amount of weight over the last six months, after making a great start at the beginning of the year. He’s healthier, happier and will be able to enjoy a much better quality of life.

“His owner Carole has been very dedicated, changing his lifestyle for the better. She’s also committed to continuing the diet to help him get down to his target weight and keep him there.

“Anyone worried about their pet’s weight should seek advice from their vet, who can work with them to get him on the right diet and increase their pet’s exercise levels.”