Volunteers and staff at Cats Protection’s Belfast Adoption Centre were overwhelmed by the public outpouring of support for Inky who had a badly broken leg amputated and singed ear tips removed after he sought shelter in a hot car engine.

Manager of Cats Protection’s Belfast Adoption Centre Bel Livingstone said: “We’re so grateful to the media for telling Inky’s story and for everyone’s love and generous donations for this brave little kitten.

“Inky is such a lively, fun loving cat – his little face would fit in the palm of your hand.

“His injuries don’t seem to have dimmed his enthusiasm for life at all – or maybe he recognises he’s had a second chance at living.

“However you look at it, his journey is inspiring. So perhaps it’s no surprise that he’s captured the public’s imagination.

“Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who has supported Inky.”

The fundraising total includes an amazing £2,000 donation from one anonymous supporter.

Last week the donor – who does not want to be named - visited the adoption centre where he met Inky and the dedicated team of staff and volunteers who have been caring for him.

The donor said: “I knew Cats Protection would do more good with that money than I ever could.

“They are heroes, every one of them. It’s a privilege to be able to help them keep doing what they do every day for Inky and so many others like him.

“Thank you so much for letting me meet Inky – he’s a wee hero, just like you!”

Inky – who already has a permanent home to go to - continues to recover well from his ordeal.

You can find out more about the work of Cats Protection’s Belfast Adoption Centre in Belfast Road, Dundonald, at: www.cats.org.uk/belfast.

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For further information or an interview, please contact Cats Protection’s Media Office on 01825 741 911, at media.office@cats.org.uk, or @CPMediaTeam on Twitter.

Photos of Inky are available from the Cats Protection media office on request.

Notes to Editors:

1. Cats Protection’s Belfast Adoption Centre is part of a national network of over 250 volunteer-run branches and 36 centres that help around 200,000 cats and kittens each year.
2. Cats Protection’s registered charity number is 203644 (England and Wales) and SC037711 (Scotland). The charity’s vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.
3. Founded as the Cats Protection League in 1927, the charity adopted the name Cats Protection in 1998. We ask that you use the name Cats Protection when referring to the charity.
4. More information about the work of the Belfast Adoption Centre can be found at www.cats.org.uk/belfast