Brutus the cat, who achieved popularity for setting up a second home at a Saltney supermarket, is on the mend after falling ill over the weekend.

The much-loved tabby, dubbed 'the Morrisons cat' because of his penchant for sitting outside the supermarket doors, sparked concern after sleeping for two days and refusing to eat, prompting owners Claire and Adam Owens to take him to Chester Gates referral hospital on Saturday.

They kept the thousands of followers of Brutus' Facebook page up to date on his condition, explaining he was on a drip to get him re-hydrated and help flush out his kidneys.

There was much concern about the cat's condition but, happily, Brutus is stable enough to return to his owners' home.

'He's a lot brighter'

Claire said: "I had some great news from Chester Gates this morning. Brutus' kidneys are no longer painful and he's a lot brighter. He is slightly anaemic which has been caused mainly by the amount of fluids flushed through his system in the past 48 or so hours but he's due to have a steroid injection which will help stimulate the production of red blood cells and stop the anaemia.

"They have also detected a slight heart murmur too, which the vet thinks has occurred by itself, so we will probably opt to refer him to a cardiac specialist to have this investigated further. Brutus is insured so his insurance company will cover the cost of his treatment that he's had and any treatment to come."

And Claire said that because the cat's phosphate levels are up slightly, it is 'super important' that he sticks to eating the specific food he's been given and doesn't get fed at Morrisons, to ensure he has the best chance possible.

Owners appreciate kind gestures

"I still need to keep him in for a couple of days just to monitor him before I can let him out as I need to know he's not just going to go back downhill," explained Claire.

"I do appreciate there have been people who asked me to set up a donation page to help with Brutus' bills but this really won't be necessary due to his insurance but I really appreciate your kind gestures.

"Your words of kindness and support have helped tremendously and it's more than we could have asked for. Thank you so much to all of you and hopefully Brutus will be back at Morrisons later this week," she added.

"It sounds like I may have to organise a line up just to welcome him home!"