As soon as the animal welfare officer saw Shell, she knew something was wrong.
She had received a call about a cat dumped at a petrol station and when she found him he was bleeding, bald and blistering - burnt on his body, legs and tail. He smelt strongly of chemicals.
Rushed to the Harmsworth Animal Hospital, the RSPCA believes his wounds were deliberately inflicted chemical burns.
Shell was hospitalised for a month and then taken into foster care where he has made an amazing recovery. His fur has grown back and now looks glossy and healthy.
Despite what he has been through, he still trusts people. When I met him, he welcomed me into his foster home and laid his head in my hand.
His foster carer describes him as “the loveliest cat” and I can see why.
If you can home this wonderful boy, who has been through tough times, call the RSPCA's animal welfare officer, Cathy Pollendine, on 07808 789385.
Cathy would also like to know if anyone has lost a long-haired, deaf white cat who has been living around Carlisle Road, Ealing W5. A lady has taken the cat in for safety but is hoping the owner will come forward. If you know anything about this cat, please call Cathy.
If, like this lady, you find a cat and want to know if it’s a stray, things you can do to help find the owner include putting up posters and (as long as you can do it safely), taking the cat to be scanned for a microchip and putting a paper collar on the cat, so that if it does have a home, the owner will see the collar and contact you. You can download a template for the collar and suggested wording for it from rspca.org.uk. This website also has a list of places where you can register a 'Found Cat'.
