A shop cat with a colourful past is enjoying his retirement after a major operation.
Monty was a popular fixture at J&H Meynell Pet and Garden Supplies in Finkle Street, Richmond.
The cat was brought to the shop after being found as a stray at Brompton-on-Swale recycling centre when he was still young.
He lived in the shop for around ten years and would sit on the counter to be fussed over by staff and customers.
However, he became ill last year and had to endure a major operation to have his thyroid gland removed.
Shop owner John said it was decided he needed to recover at his home in Aldbrough St John.
The change has suited him so well that it has been decided he will not return to the shop.
John said they wanted to update people as the staff were asked regularly about his whereabouts.
Wife Anne added: “He came to us to recover but he’s getting old and we decided he couldn’t really go back so he’s now official retired.
“It was his first time living in a house but he absolutely loves it.
“He’s made himself completely at home — he’s such a character and a really lovely cat.”
