When you specialise in the “undermogs”, the unexpected is part of the job.

I’m one of the trustees at Holly’s Merry Moggies, and I’m writing this because our founder Holly is a little overwhelmed right now.

This tiny rescue exists for cats who often get overlooked, the disabled, the medically complex, the ones who need extra care and patience. We call them our undermogs.

Because of that, we always expect some surprises. But the last few weeks have shown just how quickly things can change.

Earlier this year the rescue had a financial cushion that we hoped would help cover veterinary costs for the next 12 months. That emergency fund has almost gone in just three months.

Why? Because when you care for cats with complex needs, things happen.

Take Bambino, a beautiful two-year-old cat who had a heart scan yesterday. The news was devastating. She has a serious condition that cannot be cured. Of course, she doesn't know that: she's pain-free, playful, affectionate and full of life. With supportive care she could live for many years, or we could lose her tomorrow. Either way, she deserves comfort, treatment and love for however long she has.

Then there’s Tilly, a tiny kitten who arrived from a hoarding situation with her wobbly sister. When she first came in, we thought her eye had ruptured. In fact it had never developed properly and she couldn’t see out of it, so when she was spayed we removed it to prevent pain and infection. That surgery alone cost £1,500, but it meant she could live comfortably. Yesterday, in true kitten fashion, she managed to rip out her stitches, leaving the empty socket completely exposed. It happens. But repairing that today will cost another £500 we hadn't accounted for.

(This picture is from when the surgery had just been done -- the ones of the empty socket are too gory!)

Then there’s Stan. Today he went in for what should have been a straightforward neuter and chip. Instead, the vet discovered a mouthful of rotten, infected, extremely painful teeth. He needs at least ten removed, a surgery that will cost at least £1,000. Stan has had an incredibly hard life on the streets. He’s feral, frightened, and he has ears that have been severely injured at some point in the past (we don't yet know how). Because of everything he’s been through he’s very difficult to handle, and today Holly came away with a bite that drew blood (through biteproof gauntlets!) while trying to help him. But Stan deserves relief from pain just as much as any other cat.

And that’s exactly why Holly’s Merry Moggies exists, to step in for the animals who have had the hardest lives.

None of these things were predictable. But this is exactly why we're here. The cats who come here are often the ones who need the most care, and who've been turned away elsewhere. Bambino had to come all the way from Scotland as no local rescues would take her. Stan was in a feral colony up in Doncaster. Cassandra, our old lady with a missing leg, came from Luton. Many rescues will only take cats in their local area, but we know disabled cats have a hard time getting in anywhere, so we help out wherever we can.

Right now we are trying to build back up a small emergency fund, so that when the next unexpected situation arrives, and it will, we can say yes without hesitation.

If you’re able to help, even a small donation will make a real difference. It helps ensure that cats like Bambino, Tilly and Stan receive the care they desperately need, and that when the next undermog arrives at our door, we can say the words that matter most: yes, we will help.

Thank you for supporting Holly and these special, unique cats.

—

Imogene, Trustee, Holly’s Merry Moggies