A cat who took a nap in a washing machine survived a 60-minute cycle at 40°C.

The curious moggy - called Toreilles but now known as Purr-sil - had sneaked into a neighbour's house looking for a warm spot to have a snooze. The 15-month-old tabby is now recovering at an animal hospital after escaping with minor haemorrhages to his eyes and ears and a cut tongue.

Owner Debbie Sainsbury, 44, said yesterday: "Apparently he just dropped out when the door opened. He couldn't walk but was purring and very much alive - now he's looking better every day. I think he definitely lost one his nine lives - he's a very lucky cat."

Education officer Debbie and her children Fleur, 10, and Kit, eight, feared the worst when Toreilles suddenly vanished. But two days later they saw a sign saying a young cat had been found in a house 400 yards from their home in Horfield, Bristol, and taken to Vale Vets Animal Hospital.

Vet Sheelagh Houlden said: "He was in considerably good shape considering what he had been through. He was fairly lucky to be alive." Overjoyed Kit said: "I was so pleased to have him back. He has really bad bloodshot eyes and was really traumatised. The vet at the hospital said maybe he can come home next week."

Feel free to insert your own joke about damp pussies here.

Blofeld was livid... there was a blue sock left in with the cat...

The original was here