A POPULAR cat, beloved by those who would see him in and around Wellington’s town centre, has died at the age of 11.

Black cat Elvis was well known for his travels around town and was looked after by a loose group of businesspeople, including the Nook and Cranny’s Maxine Price, Charlotte Beatty, and Sharon Front, who met the cat six years ago at their first North Street shop.

Elvis had suffered from several long-term health conditions over the years, including arthritis, and Maxine said she believed he had also been hit by a car more recently.

Following a period of illness, Elvis was transported to Mount Vets on Thursday, June 12, by Ferne Animal Sanctuary, where he sadly died.

Maxine said: “Everybody knew Elvis, and everybody loved him. He affected a lot of people.”

The Nook & Cranny are now fundraising to cover Elvis’ vet fees, with any money left over being used to purchase a memorial plaque and donated to Cats Protection.

Elvis was taken to be cremated the same morning (June 12), and the owners of Nook & Cranny say they hope to hold a memorial for him after they collect his ashes next week.