Stray cat finds 'forever home' after ear amputation

Phillip's new owner says despite his age he has not shown any signs of slowing down

A 13-year-old stray cat that had his ears amputated due to sun damage has found his forever home.

Phillip was taken to the charity Cats Protection after he was found living on the streets of Bredhurst, Kent

However, the moggy has now been adopted by David from Gillingham who said as soon as he saw Phillip he "wanted to give him another chance of a happy life".

"I'm pleased to say that Phillip has settled in really well. He is still finding his feet around the house," David added.

"He is playful and comes to us for attention and a fuss on his terms, so we're really happy with how he's accepted this as his new home so quickly."

Stacey Gausten, deputy manager at the Cats Protection centre, previously said the cat's ears were amputated by vets as a precaution as they were "curly crispy", which was a "tell-tale sign of sun damage and can indicate skin cancer".

The charity said cats with white fur, especially ears or noses, were more vulnerable to sun damage, and it urged owners to keep their cats indoors during the hottest part of the day.

David said Phillip's damaged ears "gives him character" and despite his age, he has not shown signs of slowing down.

"Cats Protection probably saved Phillip's life by spotting the sun damage and treating him so well," he added.

"It's a shame that more cat owners aren't aware of the cancer risks of the sun.

"Hopefully Phillip's story will help change that and save other cats from losing their ears."