Staff at a Tesco store in Stowmarket have spoken of their love of Oscar the cat who was put to sleep earlier this week.
Since Oscar’s death was announced by his owner, Sylvie Nolan, on Wednesday customers have been leaving flowers, cards and cat treats in his memory.
Diana Church, who works on the customer service desk at Stowmarket Tesco, spoke of the pleasure seeing Oscar gave to customers and said some have been in tears after hearing he had died.
Diana Church at Stowmarket Tesco looking at tributes left in memory of Oscar the cat. Picture: Suzanne Day
One shopper, who has a child with severe disabilities, told Diana they used to travel to the shop especially to see him, sitting in the foyer where the tributes have been left.
“I felt he was a bit of an emotional support cat,” said Diana who believes the floral tributes left so far are ‘just the start’.
Remembering how Oscar used to help out with charity collections at the store, she said: “We loved him, he was just so lovely and I am going to miss him so much.”
L-R: Gemma Logan, Wayne Leach and Diana Church with the tributes to Oscar. Picture: Suzanne Day
She also recalled how a piece of artwork, featuring the famous cat drinking a cup of coffee, led to Tesco winning float of the year in the Stowmarket carnival.
Her Tesco colleague Gemma Logan, said: “Oscar was a very special cat to me.
“I suffer with my mental health and if I was ever down he was always there for me.”
Flowers, cards and cat treats have been left in memory of Oscar the Tesco catCards have been left in tribute to Oscar. Picture: Suzanne Day
Wayne Leach, store manager, said a donation of cat food would be given to a local animal charity in memory of Oscar, who was put to sleep after being diagnosed with stomach cancer.
Oscar the Tesco cat. Picture: Julia Gridley