The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
‘She deserves chance of a family of her own’
TOOTHLESS DAISY WAS RESCUED FROM STREETS
COULD you adopt an adorable toothless cat?
Daisy, who is 10, was rescued in January by a kindly homeowner in Northumberland with her three tiny kittens. She had attempted to carry the newborns across a spiked metal fence, but the trio of kittens became injured.
The family of cats were then found in a nearby garden, in Choppington and taken for urgent treatment at Vets4pets in Bedlington.
Veterinary nurse Rachel Cannell –and staff at the RSPCA’S Felledge Animal Centre near Chester-le-street – handreared the kittens, but sadly only one, little Murphy, has survived.
Murphy is now in a loving home and nine weeks old, but Daisy, who has put on weight and recovered well from sores on her face and feet, is waiting to be adopted. Sadly she had to have all of her teeth removed due to long-standing dental disease.
RSPCA Inspector Lucy Green said: “We think Daisy was attempting to move her babies to a safe place and had tried to lift them over the metal fencing when they sadly became injured. We initially thought she would continue to care for them but it wasn’t to be, and despite everyone’s best efforts only Murphy survived.
“We’d like to say a huge thank you to the member of the public who spotted Daisy and the kittens and ensured they got veterinary help as quickly as possible, as well as the fantastic team at Vets4pets in Bedlington for the care they gave the family, especially Rachel who hand-reared two of the kittens around the clock, including Murphy.
“He’s proved to be a little fighter and it’s fantastic to see him going from strength to strength.”
Luka Atkinson, deputy manager at the Felledge Animal Centre, said Daisy was now “fighting fit” and “looking for a nice retirement home”.
He explained she would need a calm and quiet environment where she would be able to get the love and attention she deserves.
Luka added: “She’s a quiet, sweetnatured cat who’ll make a lovely companion, and even though she’s a little on the mature side, we hope she still has many years ahead of her.
“She may never have had a family of her own after living on the streets and she really deserves that chance now.”
The RSPCA has highlighted the importance of neutering cats to protect their welfare – as it can protect them from certain diseases along with unexpected and sometimes costly litters of kittens. Female cats can become pregnant until later in life, and this can cause complications with their health and that of any kittens.
Daisy would prefer to be the only pet in the home in an adult-only household. For more information about how to adopt her visit the centre’s website.