RSPCA volunteers say they are “truly astonished” by the resilience of a 20-year-old tabby cat who refused to give up on life after living as a stray in North Yorkshire for ten years.
Elderly Buzz was desperately weak and covered in matted fur and faeces – which were initially mistaken for tumours – when he was picked up at Drax Power Station near Selby last month.
He was wounded and emaciated with limited vision and hearing and was also struggling to use his back legs.
The RSPCA’s Goole and District Branch took Buzz into their care and he is now being looked after by one of their experienced fosterers. The equivalent of 96 years old in human years, he’s one of the oldest cats the local charity has ever taken in.
Over £500 was raised by supporters and animal lovers after the branch – which is an independent, self-funding charity run by volunteers – appealed for help to cover the cost of Buzz’s urgent veterinary treatment including blood tests, teeth extraction and medication.
Described as the “sweetest senior boy” who loves people, Buzz has made heart-warming progress since and is getting stronger every day. He is now looking for a long-term foster home where he can live out his remaining twilight years in a safe and loving environment.
Georgina Petty, from the RSPCA’s Goole and District Branch, said:
“Although his recovery hasn’t been entirely smooth, Buzz’s resilience and refusal to give up on life has been truly astonishing and we’d like to thank everyone who gave so generously towards his appeal.
“His vision, although imperfect, has improved, he’s gained significant weight, his fur is regrowing and his wounds are healing beautifully. He’s had several teeth removed, wounds stitched up and is receiving ongoing care for arthritis and hyperthyroidism, something commonly seen in older cats. He also needs a special diet tailored to his renal needs and requires help with grooming.
“Despite a willing mind that loves to leap and play, his body doesn’t always follow through and he tires easily. But having experienced hardship and been deprived of human affection for so long he truly deserves to find a wonderful loving home for the remainder of his years.”
Despite his age, Buzz’s past has been challenging. He was registered at another rescue as a young cat in 2005 and then adopted. He was then rehomed about a decade ago but the details on his microchip were never updated and he had been fed by a worker at the power station for several years.
The RSPCA is looking for a calm, indoor-only, long-term foster home for Buzz. As he is unsteady on his feet he cannot live with dogs and he does not get on with other cats.
As he will remain under the care of the RSPCA’s Goole and District Branch, his new home will ideally need to be in the local area so he can continue to attend regular veterinary appointments. His food and ongoing treatment and medication will be paid for by the branch.
If you think you can offer Buzz a suitable foster home please visit the branch’s website, where details of other cats who are looking for new homes can also be found.
