Success Story - Alan

This success story just goes to show how you donations have helped safe this cat’s life. Back in June of this year Alan came into our care after his owner sadly had to go into a nursing home. During his health check with our vet, we soon discovered his ear was very infected and starting bleeding 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. Our deputy manager Phil launched an appeal for Alan so he could have this life-saving surgery.

 

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 had his operation on the 16^th 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. Alan was lucky enough to find a home with a nice family in July.

 

 
 

We have received an email from his owners this week, they have said “He’s really settled now and definitely part of the family, he’s become best friends with our border terrier” We are so pleased he’s enjoying life! We would like to thank his owners for sharing their photos with us and letting us know how he is getting on.

The 12 Nays of Christmas!

Christmas is on its way and the arrival of trees, guests and fancy food will all have an impact on your cat. Cats Protection suggests the following tips to make sure your pet’s festive season is a safe and happy one….

Eleven things a-choking

Avoid using tinsel and ‘angel hair’ as these can get stuck in cats’ throats. If your tree is real, vacuum around it frequently – as well as being a choking hazard, pine needles can hurt cats’ feet and cause infections.

Ten cords a-shocking
Electrical cords for fairy lights could be mistaken for toys or prey, so keep them covered up to avoid disaster.

Nine candles burning

They look pretty, but a fire won’t! Keep them out of your cat’s reach to avoid them being knocked over or causing him an injury.

Eight gifts a-miaowing

Never give cats as presents unless this has already been agreed with the recipient. It goes without saying that cats are a commitment beyond the festive season and are not to be treated as novelty gifts.

Several toxic plants

A number of festive plants are potentially fatal to cats, including mistletoe, holly, ivy and Christmas roses so choose carefully and keep them out of the reach of moggies. For more information on which plants may be harmful to your cat visit the International Cat Care website at www.icatcare.org

Six baubles swinging

Your cat may well be tempted to biff dangling decorations, so it’s best to avoid glass baubles as they could shatter.

Five dressed-up cats

Do not be tempted to dress your cat up. You may think it makes him look ‘cute’, but he’ll only feel stressed and demeaned.

Four calling guests

Having friends and relatives to visit is part and parcel of the Christmas period, but your cat may not wish to join in with the festivities. Ensure that he has a quiet room to himself with his food, water and litter tray easily accessible.

Tree water hazards
If you have a real tree, the base should be a no-go area for puss. The water may contain preservatives applied to the tree that are poisonous to cats. Cover up the base so he can’t get at it.

Two turkey bones

You may be tempted to share some tasty morsels with puss, but restrict this to a small amount of boneless turkey for his Christmas dinner. Some rich foods – like chocolate – are toxic to cats and should definitely be off the menu.

A kitten stuck up a tree

To kittens in particular, the Christmas tree is a toy-toting gift in itself. Discourage your feline friend from climbing it, but also ensure that its base is as sturdy as possible in case he sneaks off on a festive mountaineering adventure!