Sponsor a cat
Most people when they hear about our cat refuge probably just imagine we take in lots of abandoned kittens every month. Pretty, little babies that are so cute that they are snapped up as soon as they are old enough to be vaccinated and id-chipped. And this is true – to a certain extent. We are now coming up to the time of year when we will receive a lot of calls about kittens being dumped at the side of the road, or just thrown into a waste bin. All taken away from the mothers far too young and left to die. Sadly, this happens two or three times a year. Up to now we have been very fortunate to have had the room to take them, and hand-rear them ourselves. We also have kind, gentle ‘angels’ – volunteers and foster families – who help us out.
Unfortunately, because we have so many, currently ‘unadoptable’ cats that we have to care for in our home, not to mention the long-term ones in the cabins, we just can’t take any more in. We have to make headway with the ones we already have, however difficult they might be to rehome.
Behavioural problems
I am currently liaising with a very good vet studying the psychology of cats and their behavioural problems, in the hope that we can make a difference to their lives. About 50% of the cats that we take in need a lot of additional care, time and patience in the hope that they will become adoptable in the future. Some are so badly scarred, mentally and physically, that it can take several months, even years for them to be well enough to be adopted. And this is on top of any medical conditions they have that require constant, long-term veterinary treatment.
Long term care
These are some of the cats that we currently care for in our home, that for one reason or another might never be able to be adopted.
LULU suffers from Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex (EGC). This is an allergic reaction that causes both skin problems and has also affected her eyes. She is receiving long term treatment.
TOMMY has a heart problem, as well as a broken pelvis and dislocated back leg and he needs regular tests to monitor his condition.
ROSIE has Feline Calicivirus (FCV) and needs constant monitoring and treatment to her eyes. Untreated it can become chronic and cause many other associated problems.
PUSS PUSS suffers from chronic Feline Gingivitis. He needs steroid injections monthly, pain killers and antibiotics. Each time it flares up he can only eat liquidised food and even then it is with difficulty. He also has to have additional food supplement powders to ensure he has a balanced diet.
MISS POLLY has Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). Because she was so traumatised and badly injured when she arrived, she had to be nursed in our home. Consequently it would disturb her too much now to put her outside in one of the refuge cabins. To be rehomed at this stage could also cause her extreme stress, resulting in further health issues.
Sponsor a cat
The wonderful people at Hot Tubs In France sponsor Pretty Pebbles because she just doesn’t have anybody interested in adopting her. Their monthly payment helps to pay for the special diet she needs. Pebbles has suffered terribly in her short life and due to the fact she has tested FeLV positive she cannot mix with the other cats. She has croquettes for sensitive digestion, but is not on any medication at the minute. It breaks our hearts, but it is impossible for us to give her all the attention that she deserves. Pebbles is available for adoption, but there is no adoption fee. We just need the right person to come along and give her all the love she needs.
If you would like to know more about sponsoring one of these beautiful creatures, please get in touch and will we let you know how to set up the payment. Alternatively, if you would like to make a one off monetary donation, or to donate food, cat litter or toys, please visit the Donations page for full details.
Thank you so much to everyone who adopts, donates or uses our Cattery. All the money that comes in from these different areas goes towards caring for as many cats and kittens as possible. And we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.