Help us to fund care for brave cat Flame
AN APPEAL has been launched to help pay the vet bills for a brave cat, who was left severely burned when she tried to save her newborn litter of kittens from a fire in Hesketh Bank.
Flame, who was rescued by Southport-based animal charity Alley Cats and Kittens, is incurring high vet bills due to the severe nature of her injuries and the round-theclock care she needs.
Her condition was so bad it left her rescuers in tears. Mark Roughley, from the charity, said: “This young cat walked into the canteen of a farm in Hesketh Bank, badly burnt and singed.
“She was caught up in a burning portable cabin, where we can only presume that she was trying desperately to save and rescue her litter.
“The request for help came through from the farm to Alley Cats and Kittens, which is based in Southport and surrounding areas, and immediately the badly injured cat was taken under the wing of the group with the help of a local veterinary group based in Rufford.
“After thoroughly examining the cat, the real insight to her traumatic rescue became transparent.
“Flame, as she was later named, had severe burns to all four of her pads, very badly singed fur and skin and severe damage to her ears.
“The team returned to the scene to see if the kittens could be located, unfortunately none could be traced. The main focus then turned to the medical attention and dedication from the team to ensure Flame was given the best treatment possible.
“The admin team were distraught when Flame came into their care. Realising the trauma she had experienced and the sheer agony she was now going through had the entire team in tears.”
Vets and volunteers have since been giving the stricken feline expert care in a bid to nurse her back to health.
Mark said: “Flame was naturally very frightened but she gradually gained trust in all the dedicated
people who had helped her recovery.
“She required roundthe-clock care, with her dressings needing specialist care and attention plus medication.”
Alley Cats and Kittens is entirely self-funded and relies on fundraising activities to pay for all rescuing, veterinary care and medication.
So far over 250 people have donated to her GoFundMe appeal, raising more than £4,000, and volunteers are now appealing for more people to step forward and help.
The appeal was launched by Kim Bridson, who said: “The money will go a long way to paying off Flame’s vet bills.
“Flame is still currently in the vets, but is in a much better condition now. Her wounds are healing and she is starting to come out of her shell.”
But there is still a long way to go to raise the amount needed. Kim added: “Her vet bills are super-high, as she was badly burnt.
“Every small donation helps and goes a long way for Alley Cats and Kittens so they can continue to help cats and kittens in need.”
To donate, please visit: www.gofundme.com/ flame