Earlier this year we were approached by a member of the public who had bought a cat online and was struggling to manage the cat’s health issues. We offered our advice and support and referred the cat to our vets for assessment and neutering. On exam, it was apparent Rocky had something going on with his ears. He was given drops to try, but the owner, having little experience with cats, couldn’t manage to apply the drops as often as needed. She decided the best thing for Rocky was to rehome him. Rocky came to the shelter where we were able to give him the care and treatment he needed.

With a little improvement, but not as much as we’d like, he returned to the vets for further assessment. They decided to have a better look down his ears while he was under anaesthetic for his neuter, and they would perform blood tests at the same time. We received the news that morning that Rocky has tested positive for FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus – a virus that affects the cat’s immune system and can compromise their health). On top of this, the ear canal assessment showed that he would need major surgery on one of his ears. This was a risky surgery anyway, but adding FIV to the mix meant it could be dangerous, as there was a much higher risk of complications with the healing process. Rocky’s quality of life without surgery wouldn’t have been any good as the irritation and discomfort he was feeling couldn’t be managed. We decided with our vets that we would go ahead with surgery and keep everything crossed for him.

Thanks to the wonderful vets, he had his ear op and recovered from surgery beautifully. Rocky went to stay with one of the kind vet nurses to recuperate. It turned out that he was a real love bug when he was feeling good. He gave his fosterer big hugs, with both front legs and loved spending time around people! A few weeks later, when he was all healed up, he was ready for adoption. He found his new home with a lovely couple who are very happy with their new furry buddy.

Overall, Rocky’s vet bills cost £465.

Recovery Tails Christmas Campaign

This Christmas, please help to raise £10,000 to help us care for and heal cats like Rocky and keep this crucial work going. Your support will help to pay for vet treatment, special foods and medication for all the cats and kittens who arrive in the Shelter sick and in need of a warm bed this winter.