An extremely emaciated kitten is being nursed back to health after being found with the message ‘Help me please’.
The young cat was found inside a cat carrier with the message and taken to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, where vets weren’t sure if he was alive as he lay in his own faeces in the dirty carrier.
Fortunately, he was breathing, but was severely underweight with a very thin coat and a bald tail.
The young cat is estimated to be around five months old, and with two bowed front legs, it was touch and go for the kitten, who weighed less than half he healthy weight he should. Staff named the brave young cat Cricket.
Battersea Veterinary Surgeon, Claire Turner, said: “Cricket was extremely underweight and under-developed when he arrived at Battersea. It’s possible that being severely malnourished during his short life has prevented his body from growing correctly, which could have contributed to his bowed legs. It was hear-breaking to see him when he arrived, he was so weak and helpless.”
After weeks of intensive care, Cricket pulled through and slowly started to gain weight, with some of his fur growing back, although he continues to have bowed legs.
Despite this, he’s now a playful and affectionate cat, who loves nothing more than cuddling on people’s laps, Cricket us now looking for a new home and Battersea hopes it won’t be long before he finds a loving new home.
Battersea staff advise that Cricket’s new owners will need to be mindful of the potential veterinary care that he may need in the future due to his bowed legs.
Claire add: “Cricket was abandoned because his previous owner was clearly unable to care for him. We’d encourage anyone who can’t look after their pet, to bring them into a rescue centre. Cricket was lucky to have been found in time for us to save him – it was a close call.”
To find out more about Cricket who is looking for a new home, please visit www.battersea.org.uk.
