An animal charity has launched a fundraising appeal after a stray cat in need of major surgery to correct a painful hernia landed it with a hefty bill.

Two-year-old Brewster was taken in by volunteers at Swale Cats Protection (SCP) after trying to make himself a home in a lady’s back garden in Milton Regis, near Sittingbourne.

A routine health check found the long-haired moggy had some trouble breathing because of a hernia, a hole in the diaphragm which means organs can move upwards into the chest.

It was putting pressure on Brewster’s lungs so he needed a serious operation to close it, and increase his chances of survival.

Volunteers say the surgery, on November 3, was complex and at one point they thought they might lose him.

But thankfully it was a success and Brewster is becoming more friendly and confident by the day.

While he is on the road to a full recovery, the intensive care needed so far has cost around £2,000, leaving a dent in the charity’s finances at a time where its reserves are lower than usual.

The pandemic means volunteers have not been able to fundraise so instead they decided to start a JustGiving page to cover the vet bills.

More than £630 has been raised so far, just over a quarter of what is needed.

SCP hopes to continue its fundraising efforts while Brewster waits to be collected by his new family just in time for Christmas.

To donate to Brewster's treatment, click here.

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

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