A BARROW cat which was "saved by social media" after animal lovers rallied round to donate enough money to cover his vet fees has received treatment.

Kirsty Jepson acts as a foster carer for Barrow charity Animal Refuge and took in Cosmo the cat after his owner died. However, despite initially finding a home for Cosmo, volunteers discovered he was in need of more attention and needs to have his injections and other veterinary treatment.

Miss Jepson was then forced to keep Cosmo in a crate as she cannot allow him to be with the kittens in her cattery on Walney and he is incredibly nervous. She desperately wanted to find the money needed to give Cosmo his injections.

In a post published on Facebook, Miss Jepson said: "I foster for local rescue but they're closed for annual leave and a cat has been brought to my attention who's owner has passed away. I helped find him a home and that's gone dreadfully wrong as he isn't as described.

"He's terrified. He is having to be crated due to his fear. He's not aggressive he's the complete opposite.

"As he hasn't had injections brought up to date and has lost weight I need him vet checked and injected before he can go into my cattery. I don't usually take cats in off my own back but feel I have no choice on this occasion as his only other option is being put to sleep by the family of the deceased!

"If anyone can spare even 50p it all adds up and id be eternally grateful. I can't fund his injections or possible vet care myself but if I can raise these funds I can commit too finding him somewhere safe until he can go into the cattery. I just can't see this boy put to sleep. He seems to have already been through so much!"

A funding page was set up online in a bid to raise enough cash to save Cosmo and within just 45 minutes, the appeal had exceeded its £300 target, with donations pouring in from animal lovers in Furness.

VISIT THE PAGE HERE

In an update posted on Facebook today, Miss Jepson said Cosmo had been to the vets and that "his new life has now begun".