LAPPING IT UP: Hospital bosses say Smokey has been vomiting due to overfeeding.

Smokey the Waikato Hospital moggy is cleaner and better behaved than some of the patients, says one worker fighting to save him from eviction.

The cat's days of riding the mail trolley and calming upset patients are numbered, despite an outflow of support for him after the Times yesterday revealed plans to move the ageing cat on after a series of vomiting and defecating incidents.

By this morning, the Times had received dozens of comments on Smokey's plight with most people saying the 14-year-old cat should be allowed to stay.

An emergency department worker said they thought a small proportion of the hospital's daily human clientele were far more hazardous than old Smokey.

"I have seen flea-infested, lice, nit and crab-infested people coming through our department," the worker said.

"People who vomit over themselves (and us sometimes), urinate and defecate ... and even manage to spatter blood over the ceiling for a laugh."

The worker said a few people disliked Smokey's presence, but the majority enjoyed his company.

"He is regularly given flea and worm treatment, is fed well, is taken to the vet when necessary, enjoys much pampering and attention, and gives love and company to patients and staff."

Despite a vet giving him "a clean bill of health" this week, Waikato DHB spokesperson Mary Anne Gill said Smokey would leave once a panel had decided which of the "many" offers of a home would be best for him.

"The potential for cross-infection is now too high as Smokey continues to have digestion problems," she said.

"He's being fed the wrong type of food and too much of it."

Ms Gill rejected the idea that if Smokey's feeding regime was regulated, he would no longer be a health hazard.

"What do you want us to do? Spend time looking after a cat or spend time looking after our patients?"

Some readers agreed that Smokey should retire to a caring staff member's home.

Said Kelly: "I think the hospital has a good point, they cannot keep a sick cat around unwell people."

However, most people thought Smokey's assets outweighed his faults.

Lilla said: "I can understand that patient safety is the main priority, but isn't patient care, comfort and dignity just as important?

"Let Smokey stay, the amount of comfort and joy that he must bring patients is priceless and cannot be overlooked."