A HOMELESS man who spent a year caring for a sick stray cat has made the heart-breaking decision to give his companion up, to give him a better life.

Terry Powles, who lives under the Wyvern Theatre bridge, adopted the ginger tom, who he named Ginge, when he found him as a stray.

And the bond the selfless 44-year-old formed with Ginge was so strong that the moggie slept on his chest every night and used to nudge Terry with his paw to wake him at 7am every morning.

“I was sleeping under the car park and there is a gap in the corner and he used to wander off and then come back,” said Terry, who grew up in Pinehurst and went to Headlands School.

“I didn’t have anything for him so went to the pound shop and bought dishes and bowls.”

However, a few months ago Terry noticed Ginge’s eyesight was not good and concerns were raised around the 14-year-old’s cat’s safety and health, so Terry made the decision to give up his companion so the friendly feline could have a better life.

Claire Hill, from Highworth, volunteers for several town cat rescues and arranged for Ginge to be fostered by Teresa Stevens.

She said it was devastating but for the greater good to foster Ginge so he could receive urgent veterinary treatment.

“I was alerted to a stray ginger cat living under the Wyvern bridge for a couple of years with a homeless man,” Claire said.

“A few ladies that work nearby used to help feed Ginge as Terry then called him. The ladies were concerned about the cat’s eyesight and the fact Terry was moved on so asked if we could help.

“Ginge was sat on the gravel having a cuddle with Terry when we got there. Terry sleeps there on a sheet of cardboard and Ginge used to sleep on his chest. There were cat bowls there for him full of food and water.

“Terry knew it was the right thing to do considering all the people that hang about under there. Someone even smashed up the cat bowls the weekend before so Terry bought new ones.

"Terry was upset parting with him, I was sad, I felt I was taking away Terry’s companion in life it was really emotional.”

Ginge was taken to the vets where a scan revealed he was neutered, had a chip and his name was Bert.

The owner, who now lives in Portsmouth, had left Bert with a friend when he went away but the curious cat had gone missing a week later. Due to a change in circumstances Bert's owner is unable to take him back

Tests showed Bert has high blood pressure, which caused a bleed behind the eye, a urine infection and possible kidney issues and needed urgent and regular treatment, estimated to cost at least £300.

Claire is appealing to the public for donations and to find Bert a forever home.

"If anyone could help even a little bit whether it's with a donation or offering this lovely boy a home it would mean so much," said Claire.

Terry, who become homeless after his mum died almost two years ago, added: “I do miss him. I keep expecting him to be on the quilt when I come back.”

To donate to Bert’s veterinary bills visit https://www.gofundme.com/2zjwwp4k or to offer him a retirement home call Claire on 07905 172207