Stray cat with nasty wound can look forward to healthy future

A stray cat discovered with a horrific wound on his neck is on the road to recovery thanks to the care he has received from a Belfast charity.

Ten-year-old Bertie, who was initially thought to be feral, was being fed by a kind lady, who contacted Cats Protection Northern Ireland Cat Centre in Dundonald for help when she noticed an injury.

Deputy Centre Manager Rachael Robinson said: “Initially Bertie was meant to be treated under our emergency fund scheme and returned to where he was found, but when a member of staff went to get him, they found that he was happy enough to be picked up. Once we saw how poorly he looked, we admitted him into the cat centre. 

“He was in a very bad state with a huge cat bite abscess on his neck; he also had a heavy flea burden, was unneutered and required dental work. He has now been neutered and given his vaccinations to ensure he remains healthy going forward.”

With plenty of TLC, Bertie’s health has improved enormously, with the abscess healing well once he had a recovery collar to stop him getting at it. He has shown himself to be extremely friendly.

Bertie has tested positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), which is similar to the human virus HIV but cannot infect humans, and most likely contracted while he was living on the streets.  

Although FIV+ cats can remain healthy and have long lives they need to be homed as indoor cats only because of the high risk of infecting other cats, and to prevent them from catching other diseases to which they may be more susceptible.

Rachael added: “Bertie has had a tough old time of it over the years but we are hopeful that very shortly he’ll be ready to start a new life in the comfort of his own home. Because he needs to be an indoor cat, he can be rehomed to a flat or accommodation where a traditional outdoor cat may not be suited.”

To enquire about adopting Bertie, or any of the cats at the Northern Ireland Cat Centre, visit www.cats.org.uk/northernireland or call 02890 480202.