Harvey
Dear Paws & Claws
We have recently homed Harvey, he was the cat of courage in the Autumn newsletter (see below), he has settled in well. He has become very chatty and likes to sleep upstairs with us all at night. Unfortunately his mornings start at around 5am when he would quite like a game! He follows us around and can balance on the most narrow of furniture and hide in the smallest of places if it means he is near someone.
We also homed Felipe 18 months ago but he sadly died on August 10th of a heart attack – but he had a grand time with us and was immensely happy.
Thank you for them both.
Sue
CAT OF COURAGE - HARVEY
This lovely tabby and white 7 year old came to Coombe Down in April 2011. He was shy and a little nervous but so good- natured we knew we had to find him a quiet, special home where he could gain confidence.
In June it was noticed there was evidence of conjunctivitis in his left eye and he was treated with antibiotic eye ointment. It turned out to be an ulcer on the cornea and our vet prescribed medication accordingly. He was so good being handled but it was taking too long to heal, in fact getting worse, so the suggestion was made to take him to the Grove Lodge Animal Hospital in Worthing to consult a veterinary ophthalmologist. (We are grateful for her generosity with charges.)
She gave him a long and thorough examination, with one of us holding him and the other moving his head as required. He was subjected to all sorts of procedures; little strips of absorbent paper placed inside his lower lids to measure tear production and bright lights were shone into his eyes to enable closer scrutiny under magnifying equipment — and was as good as gold.
A programme of treatment was drawn up for him to have special antibiotic drops 4—6 times a day, followed 10 minutes later by something to stimulate healing. During this bit he was prescribed a few tasty treats as it was likely to sting! All this, and he had to wear a Buster collar for the duration. Throughout he has been so patient and accepting.
We were asked to take him back a fortnight later to see how he was doing and the vet was delighted with his progress and said that had we not started the initial treatment when we did he would have lost the eye. It is not anticipated that there will be any recurrence of this but if there should be, we now know how to treat him. It is not really known what triggered the problem in the first place, but shows the importance of vigilance and quick action.
Harvey is much more confident now, despite his ordeal. The collar came off on the 15th August and we hope someone will fall in love with him, as we have, and give him the loving home he deserves.