Norwich: Pumpkin the Tesco cat needs more treatment

The popular puss who became famous after regular visits to Tesco Express in Thorpe Marriott was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism last month, causing a rapid heartbeat and increased metabolism rate.

His owners Jo and Lee Harding feared the worst after vet bills totalled £2,500, but cat fans quickly raised the sum in less than two days.

Pumpkin was taken to the Royal Veterinary College in Hatfield, Hertfordshire on Tuesday to undergo specialist radioactive iodine treatment.

Pumpkin on his way to the vets last week (Image: Jo Harding)

But during surgery vets discovered tumours in his throat and chest meaning he would require further treatment totalling £3,500.

However, Pumpkin's 4,500 loyal Facebook followers have once again responded quickly, already raising £2,855 at the time of writing.

Mrs Harding says donations have come from as far away as Ecuador.

She said: "We're overwhelmed by all the support.

"We're so thankful to all of Pumpkin's family and friends and the Evening News.

"To think at one point we were looking to close his page and now he's a global celebrity."

Now the cat, who is estimated to be between 10 and 12 years old, will return to the vets in four weeks' time to undergo a high dosage of radioactive iodine treatment over 14 days to remove the thyroid issues once and for all.

Pumpkin's fundraiser can be donated to here.

He became famous in 2019 for his regular visits to the Tesco Express store in Acres Way, Thorpe Marriott, which eventually saw him banned from the mini-supermarket.

Following his ban, the cat now spends most of his time at home with owners Jo and Lee Harding.