A striking elderly grey tabby has survived thanks to the kindness of neighbours after he was discovered begging for food when his owner became too ill to care for him.
Handsome Ronnie is 16 years old and had been living with his original owner until he suddenly found himself roaming the neighbourhood and relying on members of the local community in Brownshill for meals.
Thankfully, the neighbours’ resourcefulness and concern for the mature moggy’s sorry state meant they were given access to his old home, where a note had been found saying Ronnie could be rehomed or put to sleep. Although nobody nearby could adopt him, the neighbours took turns to feed him and one neighbour soon reached out to Cats Protection Stroud for help. The charity’s local volunteer team took Ronnie into foster care in December where he has been experiencing home comforts and TLC once again.
Fosterer Deborah Baylis has been earning Ronnie’s trust through gentle, respectful interactions, taking her lead from him. Ronnie’s personality has gradually begun to shine through, and he has revealed a liking for ping-pong balls as well as a distinctive way of drinking by scooping water into his paw.
She said: “Ronnie has been with us far too long and we would love nothing more than to find him a home where he can settle, relax and truly feel loved.
“He is an independent gentleman who will need an adult-only home where he can enjoy his own space, either outdoors or indoors, before returning to enjoy some company.”
Ronnie had a full vet check upon arrival which led to some dental work. Like all Cats Protection cats, he will arrive in his new home neutered, fully vaccinated, microchipped, up- to-date with flea and worm treatments, with four weeks of insurance available to his new owners. Ronnie is on a special diet which is readily available and is currently trialling monthly Solensia injections for his arthritis, which are given by the vet. If found to be beneficial, it would be advisable for him to continue receiving them moving forward.
Deborah added: “Ronnie had such a hard time before he came into care and was clearly in pain with his teeth. He was almost certainly struggling with his arthritis from being so frequently cold and without a regular comfortable bed, so it is understandable that he is a little wary now.
“Occasionally grumpy, as most of us would be in a similar situation, he needs a slow, cat-savvy approach from a new owner who will let Ronnie call the shots and explore at his own pace. If your home could be the soft place to land that Ronnie so deeply deserves, we would love to hear from you.”
Anybody wishing to find out about Ronnie or other cats in need of homes in and around Stroud should visit www.cats.org.uk/stroud
