It seems that the size of our family is to increase. Just over a week ago we became aware that a cat had moved into our paper recycling box which is kept outside at the front of our house. At first we only saw the cat from a distance because it hid under the micra when we were close by. Gradually he let me get closer to him and I realised that he was in a very sorry state and he appeared to be injured. He didn't belong to anyone nearby and I thought the very least I could do was to feed him. On Thursday I was able to catch him, he stank of infection and he was so dirty that it was impossible to see the extent of his injuries. I was either brave or stupid, but I gave him a bath in warm salt water and I managed to clean off the worst of the dirt. His back paws were horribly swollen and bleeding, there had been some sort of injury to his face and his fur was matted in places. Despite all this he had a lovely nature and he was obviously house trained, I doubted that he had much chance of survival, but I had to do what I could. I rang the RSPCA and they arranged to fund his initial veterinary care, so on Friday lunchtime the cat and I headed off to see what the vet had to say. He has a condition called pododermatitis, this had led to ulcerated back paws that are badly infected, in addition he had an ingrowing claw, an old injury to his face, he was malnourished and he had fleas. The vet said that he was fairly old and he only had four teeth, but at least everything internally seemed to be in working order. The RSPCA agreed to fund treatment to his feet and he stayed at the vets to be sedated and to have his feet sorted out. I collected him later (minus the fleas!) and he seemed to have tolerated the experience quite well, he has to go back on Tuesday to be checked, but until then I have the challenge of giving tablets to a toothless cat twice a day. He is not chipped and we have done everything possible to find his owners, but it is looking increasingly unlikely.
If the cat is going to stay it needs a name and it has provoked considerable debate with the children. Sam chose the name Richard but I thought he should have a good strong name like George. Laura favoured the names Pedro or Dave (imagine explaining that to the vet!) and Emily mentioned the name Otis, I quite liked that but nobody else did. Robbie had some surprisingly wise thoughts to contribute to the debate, he said we should try not to give the cat a complex about his name because he has already had quite enough to put up with in his life. I think we will just have to wait and see what suits him best.
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