Ivy’s Journey

In July 2024, a farmer arrived at the Cat Centre with 3 adult cats that he’d found on his land. The farm was very rural with no other houses or people for miles around and it was our suspicion that the cats had been abandoned. All cats were grey Russian Blue-type breeds, and this, along with their physical condition, led us to believe that the 3 of them had been kept for breeding, and had been abandoned when they were no longer of use. All the cats were covered in urine stains and had multiple untreated health conditions and were in an unkempt, neglected condition.

Sadly Ivy was in the worst condition of the 3 cats. Although understandably shy and jumpy at first, Ivy soon proved herself to be an absolute sweetheart. The fact she still trusted humans after what she’d been through was admirable.

She was underweight, her coat condition was poor, she had sore, itchy ears, an odd stance to her hind legs and severe dental disease that was possibly the result of poor diet, and which had clearly been left untreated for a long time. While in CP care Ivy has been vaccinated, microchipped, neutered, and treated for fleas and worms as minimum veterinary treatment for cats in Cats Protections care.

Ivy needed major dental work, with multiple teeth extractions which has left her with only 5 or 6 teeth left. Ivy was suffering from polyps as the result of her having an ear infection or mites at some stage and not being treated for it. There was little improvement after 2 different further ear drops and a decision was made to proceed with TECA surgery (total ear canal ablation).

Sadly, Ivy experienced a couple of side effects from her surgery, including pneumonia which required antibiotics, and she is now partly deaf in her right ear. She has reduced blinking in her right eye. We hope that in months to come, the paralysis will lessen. It hasn’t affected Ivy in any other way, and she is comfortable and otherwise unaffected.

Ivy also had x-rays of her pelvis to ensure that her strange gait wasn’t an additional problem. Thankfully her pelvic x-rays were normal.

After 6 months in our care, with multiple health issues, Ivy is now finally ready for adoption! It’s remarkable what Ivy has overcome and the battles she has faced. What’s even more astounding, is Ivy’s resilience. Throughout everything she has been through, she has remained the most loving, affectionate and happy little cat. She is adorable, playful and loves cuddles. The fact she has maintained trust in people is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. She deserves to find her happily ever after and finally be given the love and care she should have had in the very beginning.

Our Goal:

Ivy has had a long journey with us at the centre. We have estimated that we have spent £1,800 on medical care for Ivy and it is worth noting that these treatments have been heavily subsidised by the vets involved, and this figure could have been much higher. We would like to raise £1,500.

This is where we need your help. We receive no government funding and rely entirely on the generosity of kind-hearted people like you. Every donation, no matter how big or small, makes a significant difference in the lives of cats like Ivy.

If we are fortunate enough to exceed our target, any additional funds will go towards the care of other cats who desperately need our help.

Cats Protection help more cats than any other organisation and we want to help millions more. We are a dedicated community of passionate employees, volunteers, supporters and partners, working together to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them.

We are the voice of cats in society and we speak up for their protection.

We’re working towards a society where every cat is treated with kindness and respect.

Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Find out more: www.cats.org.uk