Cats Protection is appealing for a new home for a podgy puss called Smokey.

The titanic ten-year-old tortoiseshell was brought to Cats Protection's National Cat Adoption Centre in Sussex in November after her owner passed away. Upon arrival, Smokey weighed an astonishing 7.5 Kg, almost twice the healthy weight for a cat of her age (4 to 5 Kg).

Smokey has been on a diet ever since and the charity hopes the New Year will bring a fresh start for Smokey in the form of a new home.

Danielle Draper, the centre's manager, said: "Smokey is a friendly cat who had been very well looked after by her previous owner, but her weight was a cause for concern. An overweight cat like Smokey is at risk of serious health problems including arthritis, diabetes and heart trouble, so it's important we help her to fight the flab."

Smokey has so far slimmed down to 7.1 Kg and the charity is looking for an owner who can help her continue her weight loss. Danielle said: "Smokey would be suited to a family home with a garden where she can get some exercise. Smokey was brought to us along with another cat called Poppy, and the two are very close, so it would be brilliant if we could find them a home together."

The charity hopes Smokey's story will inspire owners of other overweight cats to make a ‘Mew Year's Resolution' and help their felines to fight the flab.

Danielle said: "At a time when some cat owners are starting out on their New Year diet or fitness plan, this would be the ideal time to help their moggie if they are overweight or piled on the pounds over Christmas. Following a few simple steps, owners can help their puss lose weight and stay healthier for longer."

Some useful steps:

• Seek veterinary advice before putting your cat on a diet - sudden, crash diets are not healthy and your vet will be able to offer the best healthy eating plan.

• Always measure your cat's food - it can be tempting to a pour a few extra biscuits into the bowl but most dry cat foods are very high in calories and it's important to stick to the manufacturer's recommended feeding amount.

• Cut out the treats and tit-bits - feed your cat his daily ration at intervals as directed by your vet and avoid giving treats and table scraps in between.

• Avoid fatty foods - don't be tempted to feed your cat lavish dinners, as they are best fed a specialised cat food diet. Cheese, chocolate, crisps and other "human" food is not good for cats. If you'd like to offer your cat a special treat, give him a little boiled fish or boneless chicken.