A few weeks ago I went for a walk up to Nottingham's only windmill. I was enjoying the lovely, sunny day until I came across a very loud, skinny cat with missing fur.

After speaking with the staff at the windmill, I found out that the cat's owner was in the hospital and was unlikely to come home, so the cat was left outside. The staff had been feeding the cat and trying to find it a place at a rescue but without success.

I can't bear to see any animal suffer and so, with the much colder weather arriving and with the permission of the owner, I decided to give him a temporary home in my bathroom. I found out that his name is Meow and he is in his teens. His name is perfect because he has a very loud voice despite his tiny size!

Unfortunately, Meow isn't in good health right now. He weighs less than 3kg, has bad/missing teeth, and has a flea allergy causing hair loss, as well as permanent liquid poop. I really want to get him back to good health and then find a loving new home for him.

He has had various tests at the vet and, at the moment is on an antibiotic and 'cat Calpol', as he might have inflammation of the pancreas. These tablets cost £70 for two weeks. Fortunately, his flea allergy has now been treated, he no longer has fleas and the anti-itch tablets mean that his fur is growing back slowly. He also needs a special diet because of his poo trouble, it works out at £4.25 A DAY. However, this morning the liquid poop had some blood in it, so we will be back at the vet soon to see what we can do. Each vet visit is £45, and the next thing he is likely to need is a poop test, which is £100.

I actually had an accident earlier this year that meant a few months off work. I am now back part-time, but only on half pay. So far the £470 in vet bills has been mostly covered by donations from friends and my own money, but I am really hoping that the cat lovers of the internet will be able to help out with Meow's upcoming food and vet bills. Even a few pounds would be a huge help.

Meow has really come out of his shell in the few weeks he has been with me. Despite his health problems, he loves his food (all food really) and catnip fish. Even though he must have been feeling awful, he never once hissed or swiped at me as I put him in the carrier or had to clean up around him. I must admit that I cried when he came and sat on me for a cuddle, then started to purr for the first time. He is such a cute, happy little chap, despite all he has suffered.

Thank you in advance for helping me to give Meow the best life possible :)

UPDATE: if you’d like to send an Xmas gift to Meow, he now has a wish list: