A STRAY cat which was rescued by residents has had a successful operation to remove a tumour.

The moggy, now named Pickle, had been living for about three years at a yard in Five Bells.

It is believed the cat’s owner died and Pickle, along with another cat, were left to fend for themselves on the street.

Residents stepped in after Pickle’s coat became matted and a growth developed under her eye.

She was taken in by Basildon Cat Rescue and donations flooded in to fund an operation to remove the growth and any other health costs.

She underwent the operation on Tuesday and Debbie Weston, who runs the cat rescue, said it has been successful.

She said: “Thank you to everyone who’s donated towards the rescue and to Pickle’s care.

“The operation went well and her eye is still intact.

“Thank you to Natalie and Nicola for being her guardian angels.

“A huge thank you to the vet surgeon who performed Pickle’s operation but wishes to remain anonymous.”

While under anaesthetic, the vet also removed a tumour in her mouth, cleaned her teeth, clipped her claws and cleaned her ears.

Pickle has previously had her matted fur shaved off so that is can grow back naturally.

She is in foster care, being looked after by one of her rescuers.

She has her own Facebook page, facebook.com/Pickle-the-Princess-203643946707031/ which gives regular updates on her progress.

Donations are still being taken for her care, and any money left over from the appeal to help Pickle will go towards the care of other cats at the rescue centre.

To donate via Paypal, the email address is debbieweston70@hotmail.com or send money to the charity’s account BCR 2016 at Companion Care Vets, inside Pets at Home, in Pitsea, by visiting the vets or calling 01268 585700.