Whilst coronavirus is clearly still the main concern on everyone’s minds right now; for cats, another illness beginning with “c” can lead to treatment and quarantine not dissimilar to COVID-19.
Like many welfare organisations, Mayhew has seen an increase of stray, lost and abandoned pets being reported throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
With fewer organisations able to trap, neuter and return stray and feral cats and fewer members of the public able to get out and care for animals on the streets, more cats and dogs are finding themselves in need of help every day.
Two-seven-month-old kittens were rescued by Mayhew earlier this month as they were found by a local resident extremely lethargic and not eating food or water.
A spokesperson for Mayhew said: “When they arrived with us, both Hughes and Brodeur were in bad shape. They had visible mouth ulcers, as well as sore-looking patches around their faces. Brodeur was clearly suffering the most and also had a very poorly looking eye, which half closed.
“We took the kittens straight into theatre, where vets suspected that both kittens were suffering from calicivirus – a respiratory infection, which would explain the ulcers and general lethargy. We prescribed pain relief and antibiotic to Brodeur, with Hughes only requiring pain relief, before settling them both down in isolation to recover.
“Thankfully, neither of them seemed to be significantly dehydrated, but we made sure they had plenty of fluids and provided some warm and comforting food for them to enjoy. Although they were clearly unwell, Hughes and Brodeur were both sweet and affectionate with each other and our team.”
After a couple of weeks in Mayhew’s care, both kittens’ health improved significantly and began to behave more normally and get their energy back.
However, as calicivirus can take up to 60 days to be eliminated from a cat’s system, they will have to stay with us in isolation for the duration of this period to ensure they do not infect any other animals or become unwell themselves again.
When their quarantine is over, the kittens will be vaccinated, neutered and microchipped before being placed up for adoption to find their forever home.
If you are interested in giving Hughes and Brodeur a new home when the time is right, please keep an eye on the Rehoming pages, where we will upload their profiles when they are available.
