A YOUNG cat found alone and homeless in Wimborne is making a recovery after speedy action by a member of the public and a town vets.
Mike, a six-month-old black and white moggy, was taken to the Lynwood Veterinary Group in Wimborne after being found as a stray.
The cat-lover had spotted him in a forlorn and sickly state and took him straight to the practice, in Station Road, from where he was transferred into Cats Protection care for treatment and to find a new home.
Mike was suffering with untreated cat flu and in addition to sneezing and struggling to breathe from congested lungs and nasal passages, he was also in pain with an infected eye.
Caused by the virus, his eye had become so ulcerated that it needed to be removed once Mike was strong enough to undergo surgery.
Now, after undergoing surgery, the friendly puss will remain in isolation at Cats Protection Dorset Cat Centre until his eye has healed and he is free from cat flu symptoms.
Mike is recovering after undergoing surgery. Picture: Cats Protection
There is no cure for cat flu, usually caused by feline herpes virus or feline calicivirus, and it can be especially dangerous to very young, old or immune-compromised cats.
Like all cats who catch cat flu, Mike is likely to always be a carrier, but it will not affect him on a daily basis although it may flare-up if he is run-down or during times of stress such as during surgery, when his symptoms did return.
Tanya Burnett, deputy manager at the cat centre, said: “Poor Mike is feeling really under the weather since his flu symptoms have returned but we are making sure he is comfortable and supported as he heals.
“He is a shy but very sweet chap. Mike loves to curl up under in a ball on his shelf or in his Hide and Sleep but will happily come out to greet you.
“He has become more confident with human company since he has been with us and now enjoys a fuss. We’re looking forward to him feeling better so that his true personality can shine through.”
The fees for Mike’s surgery and ongoing care are expected to reach around £1,200 and the centre has set up a JustGiving appeal for anyone who is able to help them meet the costs, at www.justgiving.com/page/cats-protection-dorset-cat-centre-mike-the-kitten.
Tanya added: “Mike is just one of the 32 cats we currently have in care with 46 more on the waiting list.
“Not only are increasing numbers of cats being abandoned but most cats are arriving in our care in need of significant vet care where owners have not been able to afford cat care costs.
“We are therefore extremely grateful for any support either through the JustGiving or our wishlist which allows you to send items directly to the cats.”
Once Mike is fully healed, the centre will be seeking a new home for him.
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