Donations are paw-ing in to fund a memorial of Brutus the Morrisons cat outside his favourite Saltney supermarket.

The eight-year-old tabby, who became a social media sensation due to his daily visits to the store where he would charm customers, sadly passed away on January 16.

Brutus’ thousands of fans both online and locally who had the opportunity to fuss over him as they did their shopping have been devastated by the loss of the popular puss.

But now plans are under way to create a commemorative statue.

After being inundated with heartfelt messages from well-wishers and countless requests for a memorial, Brutus’ heartbroken owners Claire and Adam Owens have launched a crowdfunding appeal to honour their lovely moggy and his ‘cheeky cattitude’.

In less than 24 hours, staggeringly, more than £1,000 of the £5,000 target has been raised.

Writing on the JustGiving page, veterinary nurse Claire – who adopted Brutus as a kitten after he was brought in to the Knutsford practice she was working in – said: “Brutus has won the hearts of thousands of local Morrisons shoppers as well as his Facebook followers from all over the world.

“It makes us happy to know that he brightened so many people’s lives.

“We thought that a memorial to honour Brutus is only fitting, so that people can still say hello to him and have something to remember him by.

“Many people have expressed their wish for something to be placed in Morrisons and so this is what we are raising the money for.”

Brutus’ forays to the convenience store date back to its opening six years ago.

More often than not, he could be spotted lounging in the foyer, basking in the attention he got from shoppers.

Morrisons bosses have confirmed they are in talks with Claire regarding how best to remember their most loyal – and loved – customer.

A spokesman for the company said: “Brutus was much loved by our customers and colleagues and he will be greatly missed.

“We’ll be meeting with Claire to plan a permanent memorial at the store so everyone can remember him.”

If you would like to donate, click here .