Elderly cat found living rough in Doncaster needs a new home

Ysabeau, a 13-year-old cat, was rescued by the RSPCA in June and is now in the care of RSPCA Sheffield Animal Centre in South Yorkshire. Ysabeau was found living rough in Doncaster, with a nasty abscess on her neck and cancerous growths on her ear tips. The veterinary staff removed the affected parts of her ears and gave her treatment for the painful abscess. They are now looking for a loving home to take the tender elderly cat in before Christmas. Tammy Wilson, animal care manager at RSPCA Sheffield Animal Centre, said: “We explained to Ysabeau that she is still beautiful with or without her ear tips and she has such a wonderful character too. “We’ve seen a transformation in her personality since she first came to the cattery. “She was a little grumpy at first but once her ailments had been tended to and she was out of pain, she started to relax and enjoy cattery life. “Now she really enjoys a fuss and a gentle groom and will play with the odd toy at times. “We’d urge people to look beyond what an animal looks like and see the wonderful character and great companion that she is. “Ysabeau is looking for a home where she can really put her paws up and relax. “We know this older girl has been living rough for quite a while and so she really does deserve a perfect retirement home with owners who can take care of her in her twilight years.” White, or predominantly white, cats have a higher risk of developing skin cancer than darker-coated cats. Senior cats are more likely to develop cancers as they age. Alice Potter, RSPCA cat welfare expert, said: “If your cat has white or light coloured fur make sure to use pet safe sun-cream particularly on the tips of their ears which can get sunburnt exactly the same as humans do. “Signs of skin cancer can be redness or soreness, particularly on the tips of the ears, or crusting around the ears. “It’s always best to talk to your vet about keeping your white cat protected from the sun and ask for advice if you have any concerns.” The surgery to remove the ear tips does not affect the cat’s hearing, so Ysabeau would still like access to a garden to carry out her favourite activity - snoozing the day away in the sunshine. She will need a home with an adult-only household, and could live with a friendly dog but preferably no other cats. This winter, the RSPCA expects to take in more than 10,000 animals in need. If you can help and offer Ysabeau a retirement pad, please contact RSPCA Sheffield Animal Centre on 01142 898050.