Alan's story

On Monday 8^th June we launched our Alan Appeal on JustGiving. Alan came into our care earlier in the month after his owner sadly had to go into a nursing home. His ear was very infected and started hemorrhaging upon examination. Further tests by our vet revealed Alan needs a life-saving surgical TECA operation (Total Ear Canal Ablation). We set a target of £550 to help cover his operation and aftercare.

Alan when he arrived at the centre

In just 48 hours after our appeal’s launch, we managed to smash our target raising over £700 plus gift aid will increase this. All of these surplus donations will go towards helping any future cats in need of veterinary treatment. We would like thank everyone who has donated towards Alan’s treatment.

Alan in the local paper

Alan's story even appeared in the Express and Echo on 29 June with the headline

    "Fur-st aid for Alan after appeal"










Alan had his operation on the 16 June and made a brilliant recovery. He is now deaf in the ear that has been operated on but he is no longer suffering with the pain he would have been in.

After surgery

The vets gave him the all clear after follow up checks and he became available for adoption on 18 July.  Alan is 8 years old and has a bright future ahead of him.


We are so pleased to tell you he was adopted on the 22 July by a lovely local family. Here are a couple of photos of him just before he left the centre.

Alan being cuddled by Rachel





 

Alan's new travelling basket





 
 We would like to thank his new family for giving Alan a loving home and a happy future.
 

Alan leaving the centre



Success Story - Ali

Ali started life at Exeter Axhayes as a very frightened boy who found straying out in the countryside. Whilst in our care, he was diagnosed with FIV which meant he needed an indoor home. This was a challenge for the girls who work here as he was so frightened and found life in a pen a very scary place. It took one of our volunteers and a few of our CCAs to help bring him around and show him that people are not scary.

 

After a couple of months, his confidence improved and he started to enjoy the attention. He was lucky to find that extra special owner who was happy to give him the time and patience. He has been in his home for a week now; he has come on leaps and bounds.

 

His owners have said he has some on a lot further than they were expecting. He is already sat on the sofa. He has his hiding place behind their sofa and a sleeping blanket behind the armchair. He comes out for food, strokes, treats and general love and attention. He purrs, dribbles, head-butts and even licks. He rolls around on his back and even lets them touch his tummy willingly.   

 

Ali with our volunteer Isla



Ali feeling braver

He hasn’t been too keen on the loud noises; he is not a fan of technology – phones, screens and people on the TV. He likes to listen to the radio and their records with them. He is slowly getting used to all of the noises in their flat.

 

They have told us that he likes to talk to them. If they call his name he comes out and chats to them. He has very quickly become part of the family. They have said “I had no idea quite how rewarding this whole process would be, he makes progress every day and it warms my heart. I’m a complete sucker for him.”

 

Ali enjoying some lap time...

 

 

We would like to thank his owners for getting in contact with us. We thought we’d share his story to inspire anyone who wants to give a shy/timid cat a chance.  

Adopt a Senior “Kittizen"

With kitten season here, it’s easy to overlook our “Senior Kittizens” in favour of a younger cat. Yes, kittens are wonderful bundles of fluff but adopting a golden oldie has its advantages and can be a wonderfully rewarding experience!

What you see is what you get!
Older cats have already developed their personality so there will be no surprise personality traits in the future to deal with.

Older cats are much less destructive!
Kittens and younger cats are more likely to run round your house, knocking things over, chewing things up and scratching your furniture; they are also more likely to have toilet mishaps for you to clean up! Older cats have got over the excitement of youth and are much happier to sit and enjoy your company and a good fuss.

Older cats have more common sense!
Kittens are much more likely to get into trouble, ingest toxic substances, to fall from window ledges and to wander off and get lost. Older cats have learned the lessons of youth and are a better choice for busy families who don’t want the hassle of supervising a young cat for long hours. Older cats are also likely to be much more used to younger children and will be less likely to get injured by them as they will know when it’s time to run and get out of the way!

Cats are living longer!
With advances in veterinary care and more protective and informed owners cats can expect to live way into their teens quite happily, so taking on an older cat doesn’t mean you will have to say your goodbyes too soon; you could have many, many happy years of love and fuss ahead for both of you!

But the most important reason to adopt an older cat is: It might be their last chance to have a forever home.

Used cats aren't like used cars. They aren't at a shelter because they are defective or worn out. They may have simply outlived their former owners or been unable to join them at a hospital, nursing home, or new apartment. Some cats get lost and end up at a shelter. Many are brought to a shelter after a family member develops allergies, or an aversion to the family cat. Why not offer one of our Golden Oldies the retirement home they deserve? Come to Exeter Axhayes and meet our oldies, here are just some of them......

 

Casper - 13 year old male black and white cat

 

 

Casper is a loving, sweet-natured gentleman who loves being made a fuss of and having his tummy tickled. He's like his namesake the friendly ghost and just loves people. If you feel that he is the cat for you, don't let your thoughts haunt you. Please come in and spirit him away!

 

Blackie - 15 year old male black cat

 

 

He arrived at the centre with 2 others, they had been living outside since October when their owner went into care and then sadly died. Their home was put up for sale and the cats were left to fend for themselves. Poor Blackie did not fare well and was extremely underweight and dishevelled on arrival. After our love and care he is now more presentable!! He does need medication daily but is a brilliant old chap who will just eat it in his food. He is a loving and affectionate cat who will be fabulous company for someone who needs a special someone in their life. So consider opening your heart to this deserving cat. Please ask for info on him and we will give our full support to securing a final home for this wonderful and deserving cat.

 

Cracker - 15 year old male white and black cat

 

It’s a cracker! This lovely senior cat is looking for a quiet retirement home. His previous owner had to go into a nursing home and could not take him with her. He’s very sweet and affectionate and deserves a future where he can relax in the sun. In his previous home he lived with two little dogs but was not keen on them and preferred to keep out of their way so he didn’t get to experience the joys of a garden. He was fine with the other male cat in the home and could live with older children. Do you have room in your life for this gentle chap?

 

Misty  - 12 year old female grey cat

 

Misty is a beautiful lady who came to us after a marriage breakdown. She is a lovely cat who likes to be around the home, although having come from an area with a busy road, she is streetwise. Misty was always a family cat, getting on with children and ignoring a dog! She would make a great addition to your home, please ask about her today!

Megan - 13 year old female black and white cat

Megan has come to us as her owner has gone into care and could not take her with them. She has been living with her previous owners since she was a kitten and was a much loved pet, so they were sad to be saying goodbye to her. She is an independent girl who likes a stroke and a lap to sit in occasionally. Megan is looking for her own quiet retirement home where she can be pampered and spend her days enjoying the garden and the home comforts she has been used to. Can you offer her a happy future?

 

Midge -  14 year old female black cat

Midge has a sad story to tell as her previous owner could not afford to keep her. This lovely mature female has been kept indoors so hasn’t experienced the sights and sounds of a garden. She really deserves a loving retirement home with a small safe garden. Please don’t overlook this affectionate black cat with bright green eyes if you’re looking for a companion on your sofa.

 

For more information about our adoption process, please visit our website at www.axhayes.cats.org.uk.