Meet Gabby.

Gabby is a rescue cat who spent the past year in the care of my close friend Meriam in Tunisia.

She was originally found wandering the streets and had already been spayed, with the ear tip and tattoo that some charities in Tunis use to help manage the stray population.

When Gabby arrived in Meriam’s care, she was extremely frightened of other cats. For the entire year she stayed there, she lived on a single high shelf where she felt safest.

She never came down.

Meriam had to place her food, water, and even a litter tray on the shelf because Gabby was too scared to leave it.

Because she remained there constantly, the full extent of the damage to her front leg was not immediately obvious.

Gabby had already suffered severe trauma to her front left leg before she was rescued. We don’t know exactly what happened, but the injury was extensive and we suspect it may have been caused by people, as she remains particularly fearful around men.

Veterinarians in Tunisia did what they could to stabilise the leg, but unfortunately the damage was too severe to repair fully.

In February, Gabby travelled to the UK so she could receive further care. She arrived on 13 February, and she now lives with me in Loughborough while I try to find her the safe home she deserves.

Every day she is becoming more comfortable and more affectionate. She is slowly learning that she is safe.

But it is also clear that she is living with constant pain.

After examining her here in the UK, the vets confirmed that the only way to relieve that pain is amputation of her front leg.

The estimated cost of the surgery and associated care is £1,224.08.  

Cats adapt incredibly well to life on three legs, and with surgery Gabby will finally be able to move comfortably and live the peaceful life she deserves.

This fundraiser will help cover the cost of:

• Gabby’s amputation surgery

• anaesthesia and pain relief

• medication and recovery care

Any support — whether through donating or sharing Gabby’s story — will help give Gabby the chance to live without pain.

Thank you for caring about animals like her.

If you would like to follow Gabby’s progress, updates will also be shared on Instagram at @foundwardpaws