So I've come to the conclusion that Tabitha needs to go on a diet (again). Had one of those moments when you look at your pet and realise she's looking rather rotund...

The last time she had to go on a diet (she's lazy, greedy and had a bad start in life... and puts on the pounds quickly), I was living in England. My local vets were excellent. They gave me special food, I took her in once a month for a weight check and discussion with a vetinary nurse, who would advise me how much to feed her (I had to weigh out her food), and how many meals to make it (we actually increased her meals from one to two to start with), and gave me general 'cat fitness' advice. The best part was, everything was free (apart from the food).

Now I'm sure my vets here will be happy to sell me diet cat food... but is there any chance I'll get the regular weight check ups, advice on precisely how much food to give her and all the rest of it for free? Or do I need to decide between managing the diet solo or paying through the nose every month for someone to weigh and measure my cat?

I've tried weighing her at home. But when I pick her up and step on the scales (which is the best method I know to weigh a cat at home), I can't see the measurement on the scales... and as for getting a tape measure around her waist... not a chance!

Any advice? I have to say so far the 'giving less food' approach is making her much more affectionate... a bit too early to see if the weight is being diminished.

Don't be too pessimistic. Our cat, Tacha, has been deemed too fat during her annual checkup. Sure the local vet (Nyon, VD) has sold me dietary biscuits but also allows me to pop in without rdv for weighing and extra advice (without costs). By the way, the practice also provided me with lots of free samples in advance, in order to check what she will actually agree to eat!