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Scottish SPCA finds perfect forever home for terrified stray cat


By Kirsty Brown

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The Scottish SPCA rehabilitated and found a loving home for a terrified male cat who was found as a stray.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity had been contacted by residents in Portsoy after Rhodes had been spotted numerous times in their neighbourhood.

The most recent sightings showed Rhodes had a large gaping wound to his neck which needed immediate attention.

Animal rescue officer Debbie Gibson attended the local vet where Rhodes had been taken and transported him to the Aberdeenshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre where he would receive further care and veterinary attention.

Debbie said: “Nobody ever came forward for poor Rhodes.

“He was in our centre for around three or four months and it was a slow road to recovery.

"He had regular vet visits and had to wear a cone for most of his stay.

“Rhodes gradually got used to the team and learned they were there to help him.

"He would soon allow them to make a fuss over him when they went in to his enclosure.

“Thankfully he made good progress and was soon ready to be rehomed.”

Rhodes. Image courtesy of Scottish SPCA
Rhodes. Image courtesy of Scottish SPCA

Forres's Lynsey Milton had been looking for a pet after her previous cat, who she had for 17 years, passed away from cancer.

She said: “We were told that Rhodes had been a stray but nobody knows how long for.

“When we took him home in October last year, he still had to wear the cone, but thankfully his wound did heal in no time.

“When he first arrived and we let him out of his carrier, he immediately went and hid under furniture.

"He stayed quite well hidden for the first wee while but he came out for food and water eventually.

“We gave him plenty of space to come round in his own time and he soon started to venture out.

“Now, it’s like he’s a different cat.

"He now expects around 15 minutes of attention in the morning where we just have a nice cuddle and I make a fuss of him.

"I imagine this is because he became used to this at the centre!

“He also comes and sits next to me and snuggles up.

“Rhodes actually featured in our local paper appealing for someone to give him a home so he’s a bit of a local celebrity!

“He has turned into the most loving cat, the transformation in him has been incredible!

"We are so thankful to the Scottish SPCA for all they did to get him to us.

“It’s one of the best decisions we ever made.”


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