Young cat with ruptured hernia saved by Woodgreen
Woodgreen Pets Charity is regularly called upon to collect vulnerable cats and small pets from North London* – a vital service that has given a second chance to a number of pets in need. One of these pets is Fred, a young cat from Haringey, whose owners were unable to afford his veterinary treatment until Woodgreen stepped in.
Fred’s owner initially contacted Woodgreen’s Pet Support team about handing over him, his sister Petunia and three other kittens from another litter, with the intention of keeping their mother. Both the owner and his partner had lost their jobs due to Coronavirus and, sadly, they could no longer care for all six cats.
At just three weeks old, Fred’s younger siblings were too young to be separated from their mum, so the owners were given advice for weaning until they were all old enough to come into the charity’s care. Woodgreen also provided the household with essential pet supplies to alleviate some of the cost during this period, as well as offering to pay for the mother cat to be neutered in order to prevent any more unexpected litters.
However, the situation quickly became much more serious as the owners told Woodgreen that Fred had a hernia. The charity advised them to keep an eye on it and take him to the vets if anything changed. Less than an hour later, they called back to say that Fred’s hernia had burst and his inner organs were now visible. Despite the emergency, they did not have the money for veterinary treatment and were desperately in need of help. Woodgreen instructed them to take him to the nearest vets, and they would pay for his care.
Carla Leete, who manages Woodgreen’s Pet Support team, said: “When the phone rings, we never know what will be at the other end. Pet owners often contact us when they are in real trouble. Luckily, we have an incredible team and a range of services to help people – whatever situation they find themselves in. Through a combination of pet advice, financial support, collection, care and rehoming, we saved little Fred’s life and helped his owners through an incredibly distressing situation.”
Thankfully, Fred made a full recovery and has now gone to a loving new home, and Woodgreen continued to support his original owners with the remaining cats. The charity also found a new home for his sister, Petunia.
If you need help with any aspect of pet care – for example stray pets in your area, a pet behavioural problem or a pet that you are no longer able to care for, please contact the friendly team at Woodgreen Pets Charity for guidance and support. Call 0300 303 9333 or visit woodgreen.org.uk.
*please note: we are currently not offering a pet collection service