An appeal to try and trace the owners of a cat which turned up in County Armagh – 12,000 miles away from his home in Australia – has so far failed to bring about a reunion.
And the Armagh Branch of the Cats Protection charity fear that the cat, which was microchipped in Australia and later turned up as a stray in Laurelvale, may not have long left to live.
The owners of the cat, which was chipped in Sydney 15 years ago, aged two, never registered their details.
Nicknamed Ozzie, the cat was picked up on Monday of last week after a phone call from a member of the public reporting it as a stray in Laurelvale.
Cats Protection turned to the Belfast Telegraph newspaper to make an appeal to try and find Ozzie’s owners. It was known that the cat had been in London in 2004.
Now Ozzie, it is reported, is on a drip as his kidneys are failing.
And the charity would like nothing better than reuniting him with his owners at this late stage in his life
Gillian McMullen, of Armagh Cats Protection, told the Belfast Telegraph: “Ozzie’s kidneys are failing and his blood results continue not to be encouraging, He puts me in mind of old Bagpuss – he’s battered and torn but still loved.
“Even though he was ill and his coat was in poor condition when he was found, he came forward easily to me crying and he just wanted to be cuddled.
“He’s an old cat and we would like him to have as much TLC as possible by those who used to love him for what’s left of his life.”
Gillian intends to foster Ozzie herself while the search continues and an appeal has been made for donations to help cover the costs associated with his medical care.
If anyone can help they should forward their donations, which should be made out to Armagh Cats Protection, Willow Veterinary Clinic, 7 Mahon Road, Portadown, or online at www.armagh.cats.org.uk.
You can also keep up with the work of Cats Protection Armagh via their Facebook page.
Read more news:
No further traces of E.coli found at Craigavon Area Hospital kitchen
Masked men flee scene of attempted ram raid
Parents of tragic Ronan warn others against online dangers
