The male cat has a long list of ailments and will need lengthy treatment
The RSPCA is appealing for information about an ‘extremely friendly’ Tom cat who was found bleeding and covered in urine stains in the Eastwood area of Rotherham.
The charity was alerted about the middle-aged black and white cat – who has been named Clint – after he was seen in Hatherley Road by a concerned resident.
Collected on Saturday (June 17) by RSPCA inspector Ben Cottle-Shaw, who described his condition as ‘horrendous,’ he was taken immediately to Peak Vets in Olivet Road, Sheffield, for urgent treatment.
Suffering from a serious untreated flea allergy, Clint had scratched and rubbed his skin until it had bled, with areas around his ears and mouth particularly badly affected. The veterinary examination also revealed gum disease and a suspected respiratory infection.
The RSPCA believes Clint might have been abandoned or kept in unsanitary conditions because of the heavy urine staining on his legs. The possibility he could be someone’s much-loved missing pet is also not being ruled out, although sadly he wasn’t microchipped or wearing a collar.
Ben said: “Poor Clint was in a very bad state and we’re very grateful to the kind people who alerted us to his plight. He was suffering from a heavy flea burden and the resulting skin allergy would have been extremely painful and uncomfortable for him. He could have been like this for several weeks.
“Once again we’d like to express our thanks to the wonderful team at Peak Vets who made him comfortable with parasite treatment, pain relief and antibiotics. I firmly believe he’s owned, or has been owned in the past, because of his lovely friendly nature.
“We’d ask anyone who recognises him or has more information about the circumstances in which he was found, to get in touch with the RSPCA.”
People with information should contact the charity’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018 quoting incident number 1095616.
Clint has now been transferred to the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital in Salford for more long-term care. He’s doing well but has been placed in an isolation unit while his respiratory infection is treated.
Once he’s fully recovered he will be rehomed by the charity if no owner comes forward.
The RSPCA urges people who may be struggling to look after their pets – especially in the current financial climate – to seek help in good time, rather than letting it get to the point where their pet’s health has deteriorated and they may be suffering.
The charity has set up an online cost of living hub for pet owners who are worried about financial costs. Alternatively, you can call the charity’s dedicated cost of living call line on 0300 123 0650.
Poor Clint a big thank you to everyone who helped him.x?❤️?⬛?
“Once he recovers he will be rehomed by the charity if no owner comes forward.” Given his condition I would hope he would NOT be returned to his former owner !