Most cats bolt from water but Custard the moggy lets out a miaow of delight as he slides into his bathing pool.

The 18-month-old tom's leisurely dips have become a twice-weekly treat as he makes the most of a special hydrotherapy pool designed to help injured dogs get back on their feet.

Far from trying to claw his way to safety, carefree Custard paddles for 15 minutes without so much as a hiss.

Then it's a rub down with a chamois leather by his owner Sue Slade, of Warninglid, followed by a blow dry.

There is a serious side to Custard's outings to the pool at St Andrew's Farm Kennels near Coolham.

Until now, he has been unable to leap like an ordinary cat and used to hop on his back legs.

Now, after 14 sessions in the pool, he can jump clear of the ground and walks normally.

Mrs Slade said: "I was speaking to a friend who uses the pool for her dog and she suggested I give it a try.

"As Custard is white I have always bathed him to get oil and things off his fur so he did not have a problem getting in the pool. He lets out a miaow when he first gets in and then swims away for 15 minutes.

"He is on a lead, otherwise he would just swim to the edge and get out, but he really seems to like it."

Annie Silver, who runs St Andrew's Farm Kennels, said: "It is very unusual. We get 40 dogs a week who use the pool but only one cat."