Oscar's Story

One of the most loving cats

At 17 and a half years of age, this dear old boy is in the later stage of life, with no tail and a lot of tufty old fur he was being passed by at cats protection Ryde. Naturally he had become a little depressed, moved from the great outdoors into a white four walled pen I think you'd be pretty sad too. Having just given up the tiny kitten I was hand rearing I was more than happy to offer Oscar a foster home to get his spirit up and to be honest mine too.

It was quite a difference, from a bubbly energetic kitten to now bringing home dear old Oscar, at a much slower pace, this calm and collected boy was now in mine and my families care. 

Within hours Oscar's mood had changed he was perky and clearly very happy to be in a home environment. He was grateful and made himself comfortable in a sunny window sill where he spent the next few hours.

Now three months on Oscar has been on quite the adventure. Living with a cat like Oscar is wonderful, learning how he works has been equally as fun and exciting as having a little kitten dashing around. I took the furminator (no, it is not a dinosaur, nor is it half as scary as it sounds), basically it is a hardcore comb which really helps remove old hair and goes deeper than regular cat brushes, it must be used wisely and it certainly was on our Oscar. I tell you it knocked years off of him, revealing quite the shiny coat, making him look all young and spritely and probably making him feel a bit lighter and brighter too. All this happiness aside there is something Oscar couldn't tell us.....

On Monday the first of October I took Oscar to vet Tim as I was worried about the state of his left eye. On observation I was right to be concerned, Tim had found an ulcer on the eye which he said would have been causing Oscar severe pain and thats why when I bathed it in the week running up to his vet visit he enjoyed having the eye patted with warm water because it would have been cooling. The following day on further study Tim decided the best thing to do for the poor boy was to actually remove the eye altogether, Tim was unsure of the reason behind the problematic area but on removal he was very pleased with how the op went.

Obviously quite distraught I picked Oscar up from Wootton and on bringing him back to the home he had grown to know, although wobbly and tired Oscar found a way of saying thank you in his everlasting purr.

Nearly two weeks on, Oscar is the liveliest he has been, he is quite obviously a happier chap and really enjoys a cuddle, he has even started hopping onto our laps of his own accord.

Why then, if I love him so dearly is he still up for adoption I hear you ask? The simple answer to that is, I feel I have done all I can to bring Oscar's spirits up, he is brilliant and in keeping Oscar here with me I cannot foster another cat who could potentially need my help more than Oscar now. 

This leads me to the subject of Oscar's forever home, of course the one downer of having him live with me at my house is that any potential new owners who are looking for a new friend to take home from cats protection are more likely to give a cat they can physically meet and smooth a home, rather than a cat like Oscar who they are shown photos of. 

Some things you should know about Oscar!

FOOD- Oscar loves felix in lashings of gravy and at a push will tolerate felix senior in jelly! He also enjoy's pro plan biscuits too washed down with a massive bowl of water!

TOILET- Oscar is not blessed with a tail so he enjoys the use of his luxury extra large litter tray.

GARDEN- Oscar has grown accustom to a breath of fresh air and a quick walk around the garden with the chickens and geese.

HIS OWN SPACE- He enjoys his own space and loves a bit of peace and quiet, he'll come for a cuddle when he fancies it. His best spot is sat beside me on the sofa on his own towel, his own area but close enough for a smooth.

A GOOD BRUSH- In his old age Oscar's cleaning habits aren't what they used to be, so a handy brush to help him rid himself of his old fur every day would be greatly appreciated.

SPOT OF SUN- In his foster home Oscar sunbathes in the window sill which he can get to from his own personal chair but in the colder evenings a blanket and pillow is all he needs to keep warm.

CHIT CHAT- Oscar rarely meow's and when he does try all the effort is there but not much sound comes out! However one of Oscar's best assets is his AMAZING purr. Oscar could win a purring contest and this is the way he tells you he is at his happiest.

MOST OF ALL LOVE- Oscar is one of the most loving cats I have grown to know, it took him a little while to settle but he has learnt to love all members of this family and shares his love evenly between us all. We feel we are the lucky ones.

Oscar is just looking for the purrrfect home to spend his days, a quiet boy he enjoys watching the telly and eating so if you do too why not register your interest at Cats Protection IOW, I can personally promise you you won't be disappointed.

By Rowan Lathey (Volunteer and fosterer)