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Highgate Veterinary Clinic

173 Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4EN
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“Smudge” - Cat with an Amazing Survival Story

“Smudge” on admission, thin and unable to stand.

We all know cats have are reputed to have nine lives, but “Smudge” is luckier than most. When he went missing for two weeks his owners had given up hope of ever seeing him again. Despite a thorough search even involving the neighbours there was still no sign of their cat, so they gave their remaining cat food to a neighbour and resigned themselves to their loss.

Fifty four days later the same neighbour called to say he had found “Smudge” in his cellar – unwell, but alive! “Smudge” came in to us, emaciated beyond belief, unable to stand and only lapping chicken soup.

We tested his kidneys which, amazingly, were fine; but his liver wasn’t totally happy, probably from working so hard to mobilise available food. We admitted him, put him on a drip and began naso-gastric feeding via a tube. He quickly picked up, and before long managed to pull his feeding tube out!

The next day “Smudge” was holding his head up and taking food by syringe enabling him to return home for Christmas.

After two days of care at home he was able walk a few steps, and when he was checked over a week later he was eating normal cat food, still extremely skinny but happy! Not bad for a cat who had been missing for almost ten weeks.


The next day “Smudge” was holding his head up and taking food by syringe

Update from his Owner: Six months later.

"Looking after Smuduge after his ordeal was hard work at first as he was very ill. We fed him every four hours throughout the day and night at first, with feeds at 2am and 6am! I also had to take him and put him on the litter tray and wipe his bottom afterwards.

There don't seem to be any lasting effects from his ordeal. He's back to normal now and eating lots and lots, and he still thinks that I should get up at 4am to feed him!"

 


Smudge, six months later
Article by Liz Dodd
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© Highgate Veterinary Clinic, United Kingdom, 2009