The moggy –– nicknamed Ginger because of its coat –– is currently recovering at the Nottinghamshire International Quarantine Centre in Retford after he was discovered in a delivery at Toray Textiles last week (MAP).

Donna Harding, HR General Manager for the firm said: "We were obviously surprised when the container of yarn was opened to find a cat looking up at us, and still alive after five weeks on the sea. The cat was in poor condition and obviously distressed."

The firm contacted Nottinghamshire County Council, who arranged for the feline to be sent to the quarantine centre and sponsored the first two weeks of his stay.

Toray Textiles are funding the remaining five and a half month stay at a cost of around £1,400, which covers vet bills and accommodation.

The cat arrived at the centre in a frantic state but has since calmed down an is eating a drinking well.

And Ginger already has a new home waiting for after his six-month quarantine ends because Toray employee Deborah Ford has stepped forward to take him in.

Jean Smith from Nottinghamshire County Council's Animal Health and Welfare team, said: "The cat was in a poor condition when we passed him on to the quarantine which was not surprising given the experience he has been through.

"He was very thin and dehydrated as he only had the condensation in the container as a source of water.

"We are delighted that Toray Textiles are part sponsoring Ginger and one of their employees are prepared to give him a new home"