Two cats found in a property where 26 matted dogs were rescued by the RSPCA are now also in the care of the animal welfare charity – along with three more dogs.
Both female cats were signed over into RSPCA care after 26 dogs were also handed over to the charity.
The dogs were all found in a neglected state in kennels outside a property in the Skegness area of Lincolnshire, last month and some were so matted their breeds were unrecognisable.
One cat called Purdy, aged about 5, had untreated cat flu which had affected her eyes and sadly one was so badly damaged it had to be removed. But following surgery at the RSPCA’s Radcliffe Animal Centre she seems to be more comfortable and content.
Her feline friend Penny, also aged about 5, was heavily pregnant and was also found to have cat flu.
Sadly she had a miscarriage at the weekend and it was found that she had a womb infection so she has now been neutered and is recovering from her ordeal.
Three further Belgian Shepherd-type dogs from the address were also handed into the care of the RSPCA.
Ella Carpenter, manager at the centre, said: “We have found these cats have suffered the long term effects of untreated cat flu.
“Sadly pregnant Penny was also found to have a womb infection which caused her to have a miscarriage. She underwent emergency surgery because if left untreated this could have proved fatal.
“Purdy had to have her eye removed due to the damage the virus has caused.
“It was too badly affected to be saved and was causing her constant pain – at least now her suffering will now be relieved.
“Both cats will stay with us to help them recover from recent stressful events and once they are ready they will be found a loving home.
“These two cats are an example of just how important it is to keep vaccinations up-to-date to protect against cat flu – neutering cats can also prevent dangerous infection of the womb.”
Three further dogs, all male Belgian Shepherd-cross types, were handed over into the care of the centre last week from the same property. They are Zen (8), Kato (pictured ) (4) and Cairo (4).
Most of the other dogs were smaller long-haired breeds in need of urgent attention as some were so matted their breeds were unrecognisable and many were covered in faeces.
They needed urgent attention to cut matts from their fur and were regularly bathed.
Many also needed dental work as they had rotten teeth and were struggling to eat food.
But these Belgian Shepherds will join three German Shepherds signed over from the same property – Spider (age 6), Tia (10) and Voodoo (6) – in their rehabilitation programme as they will need more exercise and training.
The latest three dogs were not suffering from the matting of the longer haired smaller breeds but their coats were foul smelling due to the long-term kennel conditions they were kept in so had to have a significant amount of bathing and also need their skin treated.
Ella said: “We are told the dogs have had limited opportunities to be out of kennels if at all, so there will be a lot of work ahead in terms of the transition from kennels to a home environment.
“We will be working with these beauties, getting to know them and using positive, reward based training. In our care, they can be given more opportunities to exercise, interact and problem solve so we can aim to reduce stress related behaviours such as kennel spinning and pacing.
“Often this is due to frustration and a lack of enrichment in their environment and the inability to let off steam. The behaviour can become learned and difficult to break but with the right kind of training and stimulation we are confident these dogs can discover a new way of life and begin to thrive.”
Last month the RSPCA released a heart-warming video showing the amazing transformation of the matted dogs after they were signed over into the care of the RSPCA and given a much-needed makeover.
If you would like to donate towards the cost of rehabilitation for these animals visit the RSPCA Radcliffe website.
