Jenny Craig calling for Napster the Cat

We were adopted last winter by a new cat, who materialized on the doorstep, and then proceeded to move in. While an admirable cat in oh so many ways, the one issue we had was his dedicated intent to beat up our existing cat at every opportunity. Now, the existing cat, Napster, is a lover, not a fighter. He believes in peace and prosperity for all. Being blind-sided by attacks from the shrubbery, from behind the car, from the top of the couch... leaving a trail of ginger fur and shredded ears... this was not high on Napster's list of things to do.

While we were working on lowering the testosterone levels of the new arrival, named Achmed, Napster took it upon himself not to leave the house. He spent the winter napping by the fire, and emptying the food dish. Never the most slender of felines --he once got stuck in the cat flap door, like Winnie the Pooh visiting Rabbit -- he continued to, well, to expand. This summer, he reached 15 pounds.

Dave and Mike took it upon themselves to rectify the situation, and put him on a strict walking regimen. Coming into the house, they collect the cat and transport him to a distant part of the property, from whence he must walk home. They do this several times a day.

That, combined with portion control and calorie-reduced kibble, plus a detente with Achmed, has at least gotten the cat off the couch.

He's lost half a pound so far. He thinks he could be a spokes-cat for a weight loss program, provided he could do it sitting down.