ASHLEY the cat was a source of comfort for many bereaved visitors bidding farewell to loved ones at Worthing Crematorium in West Sussex.
The black-and-white tabby, fondly remembered by grieving visitors, was put down by a local vet when old age finally caught up with him.
Crematorium staff, who happily paid for Ashley’s food and water out of their own pockets, say the cat will be remembered fondly.
A spokesperson said: "He is already very much missed by all of the staff and he provided a significant amount of comfort to our bereaved visitors.
"He was a really big part of the crematorium.
"Staff are not sure quite how he ended up at the facility - he just arrived one day and decided to make the crematorium his home."
Loving tributes to the friendly feline has been posted on the council’s Facebook page.
Nicole Marie Cuming, who visits her mum's grave at the crematorium, said: "This breaks my heart.INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOUR PET: More than half of all U.S presidents have owned dogs.
"He was with me when I buried mum - he sat on my leg all the time and came to me when I put flowers down.
"He made me stop crying and feel calm for the last seven years when I went to see mum.
"A beautiful soft soul, sweet dreams and sleep soundly."
Plans for the voluntarily run memorial service are underway and more than a dozen people are expected to attend and pay their respects to Ashley later this month.