A hungover cat will be keeping off the booze tomorrow after breaking into his owner's Christmas hamper and eating an entire fruit cake - soaked with a bottle of brandy.
Emma Faunch returned home to find a greedy Monty had been sick on the hallway rug after devouring the rich cake full of sherry-soaked sultanas, nuts, cherries and brandy.
The 42-year-old had only received the Christmas hamper gift containing the homemade fruit cake and other items the day before and had left it on the kitchen table at her home in Hammersmith, west London, while she went out.
She rushed Monty to Blue Cross animal hospital in Victoria where the vet checked his kidneys and kept him in overnight on fluids for observation.
Emma said: "He's a very naughty boy and likes to steal food.
"I'd left the hamper on the table overnight and it had been fine as it was wrapped up with cellophane.
"I went out in the morning and forgot about it.
"When I returned I found the hamper ripped open, a half-eaten Christmas cake and Monty drinking water and looking worse for wear. He looked very sorry for himself.
"The vet was a little concerned about Monty's kidneys at first so they kept him in overnight on a drip to help flush out toxins.
"Happily the next day they called to say he was ok and that his bloods and kidneys were fine and that I could bring him home."
Monty went home with a prescription for a "light diet" of plain chicken and white fish.
Emma added: "He's been feeling very sorry for himself.
"He's much better now but he's only got back to his old self over the last 24 hours."
It's not the first time Monty has stolen a sweet treat.
The greedy pet steals so much food than Emma has been forced to lock up cupboards to protect her shopping.
She said: "I can't leave anything out otherwise he steals it.
"He's a loveable little monster.
"I have locks on the fridge, bin and cupboard where the pet food is kept but I forgot to put the food hamper out of his reach.
"I've had a few Christmas presents already and I've had to ask people 'Is that edible?' and if so I've put it straight in the cupboard or fridge out of Monty's reach."
Isobel McCarroll, Blue Cross vet, said: "Monty overindulged after finding the tasty treat.
"It was an unfortunate accident and Emma did the right thing by bringing him in immediately to be checked over.
"The festive season presents a world of hidden dangers to pets, from toxic foods to dangerous seasonal plants.
"Sultanas and raisins are toxic to dogs and even small amounts can lead to severe kidney failure while alcohol can prove fatal.
"Luckily Monty was fine and could go home with Emma the next day after being checked over."