AN abandoned cat running low on its nine lives has been offered a new home and a happy future thanks to Colne Valley Cats Protection.

The felines problems began last autumn when his owners moved house and rather than rehoming him simply abandoned him.

The cat hung around near his former home, and neighbours kindly fed him as often as possible, but as an elderly cat her began to struggle as the winter temperatures dropped.

And when things couldn't get much worse, the cat, affectionately named Jack, was clipped by a car and one of the neighbours called in Colne Valley Cats Protection for help.

On Christmas Eve, a Cat’s Protection fosterer collected Jack, who was wandering the streets and took him to a vet, who reported that he is an impressive 17-years-old and has a kidney condition.

Jack stayed with the fosterer over Christmas, safe and warm and eating special food to help his kidney problem.

After Christmas, his new owner, Simone Robinson, collected Jack and took him home.

She said: “At first, he was well but a little down.

“But since then, he has got his second wind.

“He is still skinny and of course very old but he has become a big part of our family – we affectionately call him King Jack."

If you would like to become a fosterer or volunteer for Cats Protection, please ring 01376 755725.