Rescued from near-certain starvation, an appeal has gone out to find this gorgeous tom cat his forever home.

The Blue Cross charity in Cumbria was alerted to the stray by a previous rehomer, who was concerned he had been hanging around and appeared in distress.

A spokeswoman for the charity explained: "He was seriously thin, bordering on emaciated, very dirty with a heavily-matted coat and he walked with some difficulty as if in pain.

"We honestly thought he was a really old cat."

The cat, named Abraham by the charity's volunteers, was very unwell in the initial weeks, vomiting and not eating.

Eventually the vet diagnosed him with pancreatitis, an inflammatory condition which is becoming more commonly seen in cats and is generally chronic.

The spokeswoman continued: "Once we had a diagnosis we were able to start to help Abraham by giving him a high quality, high protein diet and minimising any external stress which can trigger a flare up.

"Abraham is likely to have periodic flare ups even with a well controlled diet but these can be managed with medication if needed; such as anti-sickness drugs and pain killers."

Despite appearing to be old, the Blue Cross has since learned Abraham is only about six - and it was his inability to eat and the pain which made him appear so decrepit.

"Abraham has a whole life ahead of him and we would love to find a forever home for him to settle down in," said a spokeswoman.

"He needs a quiet home where he is the only pet. He is very affectionate and loves nothing more than couch surfing next to you.

"He is a quiet, gentle natured cat and, now he has put weight on and his coat is clean and matt free, he is a handsome cat with soulful eyes.

"He walks a little stiffly due to some muscle wastage but we think this adds to his endearing character."

Pancreatitis is a chronic medical condition, but can be easily managed and he should live a normal lifespan. Specialist food is easily available and he is unlikely to need vet visits unless the condition flares up.

The charity added: "Anyone interested in knowing more about this special cat, one who would undoubtedly have died a slow and unpleasant death had we not been called out to help him, should ring 01228 598219 or message us on our Facebook page in the first instance."

It is not the first time stray tom rescued by the charity in recent months.

In April there was widespread attention over the plight of Livingstone, the ginger cat found sleeping under a bush outside Debenhams with only a crisp packet for a pillow.

He was later determined to be a feral cat who is blind, deaf and about 15-years-old.

Named Livingstone by the foster team, he has made a good recovery and is currently in foster care still.

Visit www.facebook.com/bluecrosscumbria for more information