One of the world’s rarest cats is helping a Taunton artist who suffers from various illnesses to keep smiling through her afflictions.

Charlotte Hann, 34, suffers from a number of illnesses that leave unable to leave the house often, but says her male tortoiseshell cat Eddie is always there to make her feel better.

The reason Eddie is so rare is that he denies cat genetics, as 99.6% of tortoiseshell cats are born female, meaning he is a 400,000-1 shot.

“When I found Eddie in St John’s cattery in Taunton, he had already been there six months and he was such a handsome cat I couldn’t believe no-one had already taken him,” Charlotte said.

Charlotte has ME, osteoporosis, visceral hyperalgesia and has had bowel surgery twice leaving her unable to live a normal life, rarely leaving the house.

“I lost my mother at Christmas last year and she was my best friend. It has been a very difficult time but Eddie has been my saving grace. People may think it does not sound like much but it really means a lot.”

Charlotte says Eddie and her artwork help her deal with her constant pain.

“Some people who are ill tend to think about all the things they can’t do, but I prefer to think about what I can do.

“Eddie is an absolute delight and like a little best friend to me. One should never underestimate the healing power of pets!”