Flea-ridden cat with nose deformity found in Wolverhampton home now has loving new home with new friend

RSPCA animal rescue officer Charlotte Holder came across Sid, aged 3, when she responded to a call to the RSPCA’s cruelty line in August with concerns for the welfare of a cat living at a property in Wolverhampton.

Ms Holder said Sid appeared to have been abandoned and was living in dirty conditions, was covered with fleas and also had breathing difficulties due to a nose deformity. 

The person who had taken on caring for him was struggling to do so and they agreed to sign Sid over into the care of the RSPCA.

Charlotte rushed Sid to the RSPCA’s Newbrook Animal Hospital in Birmingham where he underwent an assessment to see if he needed an operation to ease his nasal issues to be able to breathe more easily. 

An operation was not needed but staff were able to clean the nose area to offer him relief.

His nose problems were due to a birth deformity, but he was managing to breathe through the nasal passages and was given a course of flea treatment and put on a healthy diet to help him recover. 

The RSPCA said he was soon strong and healthy and after a few weeks he was adopted.

Emma Finnamore, cattery supervisor at the RSPCA in Birmingham, said: “On first sight we were concerned Sid needed urgent treatment due to his nose but when we did vet checks he seemed to be breathing ok but he really needed to get back to health with his weight and fleas and then he came on leaps and bounds really quickly.

“Then a lovely family who already had a blind house cat saw Sid on our Facebook page. I just knew Sid would be a perfect match.”

Sid is now living with Kate Cooper, in Berkshire, and is loving life with Echo,  a blind cat, and a Golden Retriever called Froska who adores Sid.

Ms Cooper said: “I remember seeing Sid’s little face on the RSPCA website and thought he was beautiful.’ 

"I have had cats with medical needs before so this is something that I am prepared for and we have a catio giving them safe outside access so the house is well geared up for house cats.

“He is a lovely boy, such a sweetheart, who loves playing with Echo and Froska and they often cuddle up together.

“Mobility wise he is fine but does have slightly deformed eyes one of which needs lubricating eye drops and he has nasal problems which just need bathing but apart from that he is just a loving and adventurous cat and we are delighted to have him in the family.”

Charlotte Holder said: “It is a great happy ending for Sid and I am thrilled as I was really concerned about his health when I first saw him.

“It seems he was  abandoned and another person who was trying to care for him was really struggling so they agreed to hand him over into our care to allow him to have a better life.

“He certainly needed veterinary help and he was covered in fleas but now he has the perfect home so it makes my work so worthwhile.”