Cats Protection

When Stephanie went to the vets recently with cats going for their first vaccination, little did she realise that she would be coming home with an additional cat. Floosie, had been taken into the vets by another charity on the understanding they would pick her up if she was not claimed. Unfortunately they reneged on their promise and did not come to collect her. As Irene can only foster cats and kittens which can be housed in smaller pens at present, she had a space available so we were able to take her in. It was obvious that Floosie had been dumped as she was in very poor condition. Her tail and part of her back are practically hairless, due to a flea allergy. Floosie is now in much better condition and is making good progress. However she needs more tender loving care before she is ready to be put up for re-homing.

A telephone call from Jackie, (another one of our fosterers) was a plea for help for three more cats whose owner now finds she is unable to care for all her animals properly. Irene has also been able to take Willow, a lovely cat that had previously been in an accident and damaged her leg. She is a very lucky girl as when she arrived we thought she might be pregnant but when examined by our vet, and having been given a scan, we were advised that she had pyometra and needed an operation immediately. Pyometra is a disease usually seen in middle-aged female cats that have not been spayed. (Our vets have advised us that Willow is about 8 years old). It is caused by a hormonal abnormality and a secondary bacterial infection may or may not be present. Willow has made a good recovery and now left for her new home.

Lucy and Rory, the other two cats are now with Stephanie in one of the pens which housed cats that had recently been re-homed. These cats have jumped others on the waiting list as their need was greater. They were both in very poor condition, and their owner had also neglected their coats (they are both long-haired) and they had to be de-matted. They needed all but the fur on their heads removed and are now looking and feeling much better. Routine treatment for fleas, worms and ear mites was also given. Although they have enjoyed looking out of their pen at their new surroundings they spend most of the day cuddled up together in their pen with heat pads and a radiator to keep them snug and warm. They are both gentle little cats and (Rory especially) enjoys a cuddle. It will also be some time before they are ready to leave us.

If you are looking for a cat or kitten please call Stephanie on 01692 535858. Alternatively you can visit www.northwalsham.cats.org.uk for a description and photographs of the cats before giving her a call on the above number.