Can you donate before June 30 to help give them a second chance at love, health and happiness?
Imagine living a life of neglect, cuddles and love are non-existent.
Finding food is tough, keeping safe is tough and caring for multiple litters of kittens is tough.
Now imagine navigating this world in darkness.
This was the devastating reality for 8-year-old Catfish. Not only was she poorly cared for; she was blind.
Here at the Society, we do everything we can to ensure every cat and kitten that comes into our care is given the best possible chance to find a loving new home. Our work can be hard, and at times very confronting, but knowing that we have your support means so much, and we are incredibly grateful to have you by our side.
Each day our team witness the strength and resilience that cats possess. That’s why we call them ‘Whiskered Warriors’.
Catfish was one such Whiskered Warrior.
Even though the odds were stacked against her, when the Cat Protection Society of Victoria’s (CPSV) Shelter Manager, Emilea McLeod learned about Catfish, she didn’t hesitate to welcome her.
“From the moment I heard about her, I knew there was something special about this vulnerable senior. I believed the Shelter could help her. We were told by the regional pound that she was previously at that she had completely shut down and that they thought she was blind.”
“Catfish may not have had vision but from the moment we heard about her our vision for her was clear,” Emilea said.
“We were aware that it could be a slow process to nurse Catfish to good health. As a special need senior cat we also understood that it could be challenging to eventually find a forever home for her. However, we knew with hope, love and support both would be possible. It never entered our minds not to have her join us. I knew she would thrive at our Shelter under the compassionate care of our staff,” she said.
“When Catfish arrived she was a trembling ball of grey and white fur. She was extremely agitated, hated human touch and didn’t know who to trust.”
“Adapting to a new environment, even if it is a happy and safe one, is already frightening, especially for a senior cat who has known no other life. However, not being able to see your new surroundings and the trustworthy and kind faces welcoming you would be terrifying”, Emilea said.
Without sight, the Shelter found that Catfish was acutely aware of the foreign smells, strange surfaces, and unfamiliar sounds and lived with heightened vigilance until she felt settled and safe.
The CPSV’s Veterinary team found Catfish was suffering from flu and required dental treatment. The team gave her multiple blood tests to ascertain exactly what support she needed. She also required the basics needing to be desexed, vaccinated and microchipped.
Catfish’s Expenses:
- Spay $225
- Bloods $585
- FIV Test $35
- Histopathology $299
- Medication $250
- Vaccinations $85
- Dental $600 minimum
- Foster Care Supplies $50 per week
- Average cost per week at our Adoption Shelter $175
Total costs over $3000
After two months of being carefully supported and monitored by the CPSV’s staff Catfish was eventually moved to the Adoption Shelter and made available for adoption in December.
“When we moved Catfish into the Shelter we quickly realised she was struggling with the traditional cat condos we have. Being unable to see, she was confused by the condos muffling external sound and kept bumping her head on the glass. She was also terrified if approached by a member of the public,” Emilea said.
“For this reason we set her up in a large, open wire condo which is still within our Adoption Shelter but somewhere that was much more comfortable for her. If the sounds and smells of the Shelter ever got too much for her she was moved into my office,” she said.
“Just like her name Catfish was not what we were expecting. She was so much more. Despite her challenging upbringing and sight limitations she is the most delightful cat who now loves being around people. She is affectionate and sweet and is just beautiful with her stunning green eyes and white and grey coat.”
“Taking in cats like Catfish is no easy feat for the Shelter and the reality is that her veterinary care and day-to-day expenses are expensive. However, we would do it all again in a heartbeat. Giving cats like Catfish a second chance and enabling them to live out their senior years in a loving and comfortable home is what it is all about.”
Providing Whiskered Warriors like Catfish with every opportunity to find their happily furever after is only possible thanks to the support of passionate cat-lovers just like you. As a not-for-profit animal welfare charity that receives no government funding, we rely solely on the cat-loving community to enable our work.
Will you donate to our Whiskered Warrior Fund this tax-time and help ensure our Society can care for and rehome Whiskered Warriors like Catfish?
All donations over $2 are fully tax deductible and your donations will be put to work immediately to help Whiskered Warriors like Catfish.
Here is how a gift before June 30 can help:
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Could help cover the cost of blood tests to identify a cat’s health needs. |
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Could help vaccinate a cat like Catfish against life-threatening illnesses. |
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Could help cover the cost of fostering a cat for two weeks. |
A gift of any amount to our Whiskered Warrior Fund will have a tremendous impact on the work of our Society and lives of cats in need.
Donate online
Donate using your credit card or debit card.
Your tax-deductible receipt will be emailed to you once your donation is processed.
Donate by post
To make a cheque donation, please make the cheque out to The Cat Protection Society of Victoria and mail to:
The Cat Protection Society of Victoria
200 Elder Street, Greensborough
VIC 3088
And include a note with your return mail address or email address. Your tax invoice will subsequently be emailed or posted out.
Donate over the phone
Contact us on 03 8457 6500 to make a credit card payment over the phone between 10am-4pm Monday to Friday.
Your tax invoice will subsequently be emailed or posted out.