A STRAY cat was rescued from the streets with deep cuts and ripped-off fur, prompting a fundraising drive.

Burberry was taken from Church Leys in Harlow to the Scratching Post rescue centre in Waltham Abbey, having spent a considerable amount of time at the mercy of the elements.

As his coat got more and more matted, the black and white cat had scratched away much of its own fur.

Scratching Post workers cut away the tangled fur and applied Sudocrem, nursing him back to health through a bout of flu.

A spokesperson for the charity said: "He was no doubt once someone's cat, abandoned and allowed to get into this state. "Burberry will need a lot of treatment and we really hope he makes a full recovery and can be found the kind loving home he deserves."

In a bid to help Burberry and cats like him, a fundraising drive has been launched, with 140 donators raising £2,380 so far.

"The Scratching Post have taken in so many cats recently in an appalling state and we are struggling with the very expensive vets bills," the spokesperson added.

"We will never turn a cat away but we really need your help. If you can make a donation however small to help us help Burberry and all the cats like him we will be extremely grateful."

Go to mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/susanhall5 to donate.