A cat’s tale: ITM’s Rodney rescued
Rodney, the dumped hardware store cat, has been found alive and in good health.
The tabby has been found northeast of Marton by a rescue group more than a month since he was dumped in the wild.
A farmer had called Central ITM, the hardware store the cat had called home for almost a decade, saying he had spotted a cat lurking around his barn after recognising him from the newspaper.
Marton Moggies founders
Rebecca Stevenson and Bridie
McCade were in disbelief when they heard the news.
‘‘Instead of heading back towards town, he was darting towards Whanganui.’’
They set up traps around the barn on Tuesday and captured him within three hours, Stevenson said.
They took Rodney for a checkup at Southern Rangitı¯kei Veterinary Services yesterday, where he was microchipped and treated for worms and fleas. Central ITM paid for the medical expenses, which were just over $250.
While they were still waiting for the results of blood tests, Rodney appeared to be healthy, and was certainly happy to be back indoors, Stevenson said.
The cat’s favourite ITM worker visited him to make sure he was the right tabby, and Rodney was ‘‘all over him’’.
‘‘He’s been well, he’s eating and drinking. He’s really happy inside and snuggling.’’
Stevenson made sure Rodney was properly identified before announcing his return, after a false alarm a few weeks ago.
Rodney will stay with Marton Moggies for a further two weeks before he is rehomed.
A lengthy list of hopeful owners has the charity up to their whiskers in potential families, but they’ll hold onto him until they find the best fit.
The beloved counter cat had been dumped in the country last month by a store manager, who claimed the cat’s presence had become an insurance issue.
McCade said there was a serious message to come from the saga.
‘‘There are so many other options other than dumping your cat – there are so many small rescues around.’’