A FAMOUS cat has become the mascot of an animal rescue charity as it seeks support with rising costs.

Yang Bell, the unofficial mascot of Hexham General Hospital, has now become the official mascot of an animal charity.

New Beginnings, a cat rescue based in the North East, has foster carers across Tynedale and Northumberland.

Fiona Jinks, trustee and treasurer for the non-profit, said having Yang as a mascot will raise awareness of the charity.

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"He is a rescue cat himself. He is a public figure on Facebook, and he can help promote the cause and assist with the needs of our rescue via appeals." 

New Beginnings rescued a previously-owned cat, named Ginge, in the Tynedale area several weeks ago.

"He had major problems, he couldn't urinate basically. He's cost us nearly £6,000 that we've had to raise. Vet bills are crippling small charities like ourselves because we're not profiting, we have to raise everything.

Hexham Courant: Ginge after his life-saving operationGinge after his life-saving operation (Image: New Beginnings)

"In a week, Ginge nearly bankrupted us but what can you do? If there's a chance of life we have to grab it.

"Had we not rescued him, he'd be dead because he wouldn't be able to pee." 

If a cat can't urinate, their bladder swells up with urine, which can lead to life-threatening damage to the bladder, kidneys and rest of the body.

"He had a blockage, it couldn't be cleared, we tried to do that. That was the first vet bill of £2,560.

"Where he pees, they removed that, so it's just a hole."

The operation, called a perineal urethrostomy, takes three hours and costs in excess of £3,000.

"We need more coverage because we do so much work saving these animals who've just been discarded basically. 

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"We can't cope with the influx of animals we've got, it's horrific. It's more worrying now because we're coming into kitten season, which means we're going to have pregnant queens giving birth to kittens that can't live outside. 

"Anything we get called out to, we have an obligation to take them, even if it means we have to keep them in the bathroom. That's how shockingly overrun we are at the moment, because people are abandoning their animals.

"Without small rescues like New Beginnings, I don't know where these cats would be," Fiona said. "Without our supporters, we wouldn't have a rescue."

She added any support from businesses, the public or potential volunteers would be appreciated.

Donate to the charity's Paypal using Newbeginningscatsne@gmail.com.