Three-legged cat searches for home in time for Christmas

Poppet, a three-year-old black and white cat, came into the care of the RSPCA Essex Havering and Harold Hill branch in July this year. He had been spotted limping in the Basildon area by a member of the public and was taken to the vets.

The vet believed he may have a broken leg so he was then transferred to the RSPCA Finsbury Park Animal Hospital in London for an examination which revealed that he was suffering from an old fracture which hadn’t healed properly. He also had deep scabs all over his hip and was suffering from cat flu. 

Katherine Ivermee, Animal Welfare Officer at the branch, said: “Poor Poppet was extremely scared and timid at the hospital and was clearly in pain. The vets decided that the best option would be to amputate his leg which would mean less complications and less time recovering. Once he was moved to a boarding pod at the branch for some much-needed rest and TLC, he began to relax and became a much more cuddly cat!

“He is now very affectionate and copes well on three legs.”

Poppet has now fully recovered, has been neutered and vaccinated and waiting for a new home since the end of October, but sadly has had no interest to date.

Katherine added: “Poor Poppet has been overlooked so far and we don’t know why. He's a lovely, happy and sweet boy who just needs someone to give him a loving home in time for Christmas!”

Poppet has become king of the castle at his foster home, enjoying a cosy bed, plenty of food and fuss. Between his cat naps, he likes to run and jump around, proving that three legs is just as good as four!

He will need a home with a safe garden, away from busy roads and as he has had cat flu previously, he could still be a carrier so will need to be the only cat. 

He could live with families who have children who are secondary school aged or older and he would prefer not to live with a dog.

For more information and an adoption form, visit the website here. If you think you can offer Poppet a loving home, please fill out an adoption form and email this to  info@rspca-essexhavering.org 

Our rescue teams will be out in all weathers this winter, rescuing animals from abuse, neglect and suffering.  To Join the Christmas Rescue and help our rescuers be there for the animals in need, please visit www.rspca.org.uk/rescuexmas