Treatment, Rescue 9 Burmese Cats #FundAnimalRescue

PLEASE HELP!! 

Nine pedigreed Burmese cats have now been removed from an overcrowded home, where there was disharmony causing behavioural problems, plus veterinary needs being ignored. All cats range in age from 3 to 6 years of age - they should be in the prime of health, but are not. 

These 9 cats are in addition to 3 which were removed in August at the owner’s request - due to behavioural issues. To be clear, we have been dealing with 12 Burmese cats over 3-4 months, plus 4 others which have not been surrendered but were temporarily cared for. That’s 16 cats in total.

Of the current 9, several were described as having problems with spraying and peeing inappropriately. On removal and break up into smaller more manageable groups, this has not been an issue. 

However, the dental problems have been horrific. Unfortunately one very beautiful and rare fawn Burmese developed kidney failure from the toxins in her mouth and could not be saved. Very sadly she was put to sleep. She was only 4 years old. 

Another boy was suffering a disgusting, putrid ear infection. Upon surgery, he was found to have developed a tumour deep within his inner ear, and was put to sleep to spare him further agony. He also had a mouthful of rotten teeth. He was just 6 years old. 

His full brother from the same litter requires complete dental extractions. He is suffering PTSD from the loss of his brother, his painful mouth, and the circumstances involved in the whole cat family breakdown.

Five others have required either partial or total dental extractions, of which 1 is still waiting for surgery. 

Most of these cats have now been flown to Queensland where a fellow rescuer is based, but some have been operated on and cared for here by myself in Perth, Western Australia. 

Only one of the nine cats did not require dental surgery and does not appear to have any lasting health problems. She does, however, have an eye infection due to a scratch by her brother with the ear tumour, who was no doubt lashing out in severe pain. 

The expenses involved in rescuing these cats and endeavouring to restore them to good health have been a heavy burden to carry. I would like to thank the vet practices in Perth (Wattle Grove Veterinary Practice) and Brisbane who have operated at a discount to get these babies back on the road to a new life. Nevertheless, the expenses have mounted - even the two cats which unfortunately had to be put to sleep had a medical and surgical work up first. 

The dental extractions are not easy. A week or several weeks of medications are required - antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and pain relief meds. Weekly dental reviews are necessary to ensure their mouths are healing properly.  It is possible some will require further dental surgery.

Added in to this we have very $1,000 on flights to get many of them to Qld, to someone who is better equipped to house such a large number of adult cats and look after their post surgical needs. 

There has been a lot of extra food and litter required, extra carry crates for the plane trips purchased, and other incidentals.

The total cost of this rescue operation is around $8,000.

If you are able to donate ANYTHING at all, it would be greatly appreciated. Many hands make light work. Don’t think your spare cash is too small. On the other hand, if you are able to share this campaign, it will greatly assist us, and we would be very thankful. 

If you would like further information, please contact me. I will answer what I can. In an updatepost, I will provide feedback as to expenses vs income. 

Nola Higgs (Campaign organiser and initial carer of all surrendered cats)