Wimborne farm shop fundraises for stray cat's surgery

Aunt Fanny's Farm Shop and Café has had a stray cat living on its doorstep for so long it has become a “member of the family”.

When she showed up one day with a litter, staff built her new family a little house and pledged to look after them.

But when one of the kittens was hit by car outside the shop in Cranborne Road, Aunt Fanny’s owner Vanessa Streeter took her responsibilities a step further.

Vanessa said: “He had two broken femurs. The vets wanted to put him down, but I just didn’t want to make that decision.

“His eyes were so bright, and it was like he wasn’t ready to give up.

“He's only 16 months old - he still has so much life ahead of him.”

The stray cat Vanessa is caring for (Image: Aunt Fanny's Farm Shop and Café)

Vanessa agreed to put him through surgery and committed to caring for him at home across two months of recovery.

With the cat being feral and therefore uninsured, Vanessa has faced huge costs for overnight hospital stays, x-rays, medication and the surgery.

She has launched a Go Fund Me page and has already raised more than £1000, with RSPCA also tabling a generous donation.

Vanessa wrote on the page: “Already I’ve spent £1,000 on his treatment and as he is feral, he isn't insured.

“I'm paying towards his fees myself and will be looking after him - he's going to need two months recovery and will become a house cat.

“Please consider donating to his fund, every little bit helps towards the cost to save him.”

While the cat currently has no name, Vanessa is hopeful that Aunt Fanny's customers can help her to come up with something fitting.

Speaking on why she was desperate to save him, Vanessa said: “I just love animals so much. They’re my life.”

To donate visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/our-resident-aunt-fannys-cat