Ghoulish writer held back by fat cat (7)

I believe the answer is:

leopard

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'cat' is the definition.
(I know that leopard is a type of cat)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for leopard that I've seen before include "dangerous when free" , "The cat that does not change its spots" , "Animal -- per load (anag)" , "Panther" , "Wild cat" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

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