He was given the name Captain by the volunteers, who felt it was only right he have a name bestowed by people who loved him.
A charity in Somerset has made a heartfelt plea for people to contact as many rescues as possible if they can no longer care for their pets, instead of abandoning them.
Cats Protection Glastonbury and Wells shared the story of Captain, a cat found abandoned in the area after his former owners moved away.
“We were alerted to this sweet old boy when the new owner of the property saw him and was worried about his health,” a spokesperson said. “She couldn’t sleep all night, concerned for him, and contacted us.”
The previous owners had left Captain behind when they moved, as he was “elderly and had lived there his whole life.”
Volunteers from the organization searched the area for Captain and, with the help of a farmer, eventually found him.
“Something in their gut told them he was nearby, possibly at a small holding where other cats had been seen,” the spokesperson said.
“Fortunately, the farmer arrived just as they were about to leave a note. When he checked one of his sheds, he found Captain, curled up in a pile of straw.”
They rushed Captain to Wells Vets, who delivered heartbreaking news.
“Recently, this poor old boy had most likely been hit by a car,” the spokesperson continued.
“This caused spinal damage and resulting nerve damage left him incontinent.
“He was unsteady on his feet, with bald patches and burns caused by urine because he couldn’t control his bladder.
“His ears were full of mites and deformed from years of untreated mite infestations and ear infections.
“And despite everything, he purred.”
Captain was given food, wrapped in a blanket, and “given all the love he could ever want.”
But, they added, “Sadly, nothing could be done for him.”
He was named Captain by the volunteers who felt he should have a name given by people who loved him.
They stayed by his side, showering him with affection, telling him how loved he was, and how sorry they were that he had been let down so badly.
He went to sleep peacefully, a kinder fate than being left alone in the cold.
The charity is urging people to rehome their pets rather than abandon them, to prevent suffering like Captain’s.
“If you no longer want your pets or can’t keep them, please don’t abandon them,” they said.
Don’t leave them to face the pain and suffering that Captain endured.
Contact a rescue, get them on as many waiting lists as possible. Don’t discard them as if they meant nothing.
We are glad we could be there for Captain, offering him love and a peaceful end, but it should never have come to this.
Rest in peace, Captain. You will never be forgotten.