The adorable and greatly adored Brutus the Morrisons cat has sadly died.
Everyone's favourite 'supermar-cat', who earned legions of fans the world over for his charming love affair with his local shop, passed away peacefully at his home in Saltney at the age of eight on Monday (January 16), after suffering a relapse with his condition Polycystic Kidney Disease over the festive period.
More often than not, Brutus could be seen sitting in his beloved spot next to the doors, lapping up the attention from shoppers.
His owners Claire and Adam Owens shared the heartbreaking news on his phenomenally successful Facebook page, sparking an outpouring of condolences for the much-loved moggy.
Claire wrote: "Dreading this post, but it's with an extremely heavy heart that I have to tell you all that we had to have our gorgeous boy Brutus put to sleep around midday today.
"He went peacefully on a nice snuggly blanket in our kitchen. I cuddled him, gave him head scratchies and talked to him so he knew he was loved right up until the very end.
"I'm in tears writing this and I know a lot of you will be while reading this.
"He will be so, so missed and has left a Brutus shaped hole in all our hearts. Sleep well gorgeous boy. Morrisons just won't be the same without you."
Brutus shot to international stardom several years ago and became as much a part of Morrisons' fixtures and fittings as the trolleys and groceries.
He fell ill on New Year's Day, but his family hoped he was on the mend after receiving treatment and well-wishes poured in from as far as Texas.
Just days ago, Brutus took part in a complimentary photoshoot kindly offered by Chester-based Dollimore Photography with Claire and Adam's baby boy Jamie so the family had a lasting reminder of the pair together.
But despite fighting a valiant battle against his health issues, Brutus tragically failed to recover.
Claire revealed that Brutus will be privately cremated, but they are considering holding a memorial to remember the cat who brought so much joy to so many people.
Did you ever meet Brutus? Tweet us @ChesterChron or let us know in the comments below.
