Floral tributes have been laid after the death of a beloved supermarket cat.
Stowmarket’s Oscar, known as the ‘Tesco cat’, was put to sleep yesterday after a short battle with stomach cancer, aged 10.
The famous feline stole the hearts of many for occupying the area near the Click and Collect department at the Tesco Superstore, in Cedars Link Road, and eventually became a social media celebrity.
Stowmarket’s Oscar the Tesco cat has died. Picture: Julia Gridley
He was even made the star of a children’s book.
His owner Sylvie Nolan said he was ill for several weeks before his death, with his diagnosis coming after a second visit to a vet.
Sylvie said: “Our family is really devastated. Oscar was a lovely boy who loved everybody – he was a real family cat.
“We first noticed he was poorly when he stopped eating properly, but his diagnosis came as a shock.
“We were told he’d have a few weeks, and even with chemotherapy and surgery, he might only live for a few months.
“We didn’t think it would be fair to him, so we decided he should be put to sleep.”
Sylvie said he first began going to the supermarket at the age of four.
Staff at Tesco delivered flowers to Sylvie after her loss – floral tributes have also been laid at the supermarket itself.
Sylvie said: “I want to thank the public for their really lovely messages and their outpouring of support.
“Oscar was a wonderful cat and we will miss him lots.”