Minstrel was found wandering the streets with painful wounds and could have died without treatment.

But, after being picked up and taken in by an animal welfare charity, he has battled back against the odds.

The black and white moggy has been left with permanent scars and has also suffered nerve damage to his tail.

Volunteers with Cats Protection have spent weeks trying to trace Minstrel's owners without any luck.

Now they are desperately trying to find a new home for the larger than life cat, who weighs in at a whopping 6.6kg.

Connie Doull, who is temporarily fostering Minstrel, said he had a personality just as dominant as his size.

She said: "He is so friendly, which is maybe why he ended up in the state he was in.

"Anyone can call on him and he will go straight to them, rub their legs and look for cuddles.

"His nature is amazing, considering what he has been through. He doesn't even get upset about loud or unexpected noises."

Minstrel was found in the Bishopmill area of Elgin a few weeks after bonfire night on November 5.

He was treated at a local veterinary centre before going out to his temporary home with Mrs Doull.

The nerve damage to his tail means that he no longer flicks it like a typical cat, and instead wags his tail like a dog.

Minstrel has battled back to full health after surviving a firework attack. He is currently being cared for by Cats Protection volunteer Connie Doull, and is looking for a new home. NS

Mrs Doull is confident that Minstrel will live quite happily with other cats, but may not settle so well around dogs.

Minstrel is just one of dozens of stray and dumped cats which the charity has picked up in recent weeks.

There has been a huge demand for their services since Christmas, and they are receiving an average of three calls a day.

Cats Protection co-ordinator Charlotte Gilbert is at a loss to explain why so many cats are being turfed out onto the streets.

She said: "We have about 20 in care at the moment, and another 25 waiting to come in. This past week in particular has been really bad.

"There seems to be no reason for it – we've had cats of all ages, both young and old. It's a really sad situation.

"We had to have one cat put to sleep last week because it was so ill. It was obviously a house cat who was used to being indoors, but it ended up with hypothermia and was malnourished because it was not getting fed."

Anyone who is able to give Minstrel or any of the other cats a home is asked to get in touch with the charity on (01343) 860306.

l.carter@northern-scot.co.uk

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