A cat who "defied all the odds" and thrived after being neglected has died after suffering with numerous health issues including liver failure.

British longhair cat Wolfie was found with matted and flea-ridden fur and had severe liver failure when he was taken into the care of Diefers Legacy Animal Rescue.

The 10-year-old cat was taken in and looked after and fought many health battles at the same time.

But Wolfie could not be saved after fluid in his abdomen was found to be septic, and his blood pressure was low.

Without medication, Wolfie would have been in pain and suffered with the only solution being invasive surgery, something he had enough of.

The Bolton News: Wolfie now

Lisa Thorley, who runs the shelter, said: “We are utterly and totally devastated to have to tell you that late last night we had to let our beautiful, sweet Sir Wolfie go to sleep peacefully and suddenly.

“We were there and held him while he went to sleep for the very last time.

“The only solution was more highly invasive surgery, and we just couldn't justify putting him through anymore.

“He was too weak to have gone through it even if we had tried.”

Wolfie was nothing but bones when he was first found last year in October after his family moved and did not take him with them.

Wolfie was fostered by Lisa, who said she was "crushed" by his death as she had hopes he would pull through.

And the cat looked a picture of health after Lisa took charge of him

Lisa said: “Wolfie fought so hard, through so many obstacles, he had come so very far from the starving skeleton we rescued back in October last year.

The Bolton News: Wolfie before

“He was a true gentleman and a complete warrior.

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“He initially clung on to life back then in a bid to survive and he defied all the odds stacked up high against him again and again.

“He was a real trooper. At every hurdle he fought so hard. He was an absolute joy to be in the company of.

“He was regal, funny, chatty, cheeky, sweet, gentle and such a stunningly beautiful handsome boy who was completely let down by his selfish owners.”