Adopting an older cat is one of the best things a pet parent can do – there’s lots of demand for kittens, but there are cats of all ages who need forever homes.
One 13-year-old cat has found a forever home of his own, giving him the chance to live out the rest of his days with plenty of love (and the best cat treats, of course) after being found as a stray and needing his ears amputated due to sun damage.
Phillip was found living on the streets in the village of Bredhurst in the south of the UK, and was taken to the charity Cats Protection. Stacey Gausten, the center’s deputy manager, previously explained that Phillip’s ears were amputated because they were “curly crispy,” a sign of sun damage that can indicate skin cancer. Pre-cancerous cells were found on his ears, so the surgery may have saved his life.
Cats with white fur – particularly on their ears or noses – are often more vulnerable to sun damage, with Cats Protection urging cat parents to keep their felines indoors during the hottest part of the day.
David, from the nearby town of Gillingham, adopted Phillip, explaining that as soon as he saw him he “wanted to give him another chance of a happy life,” per the BBC. He added, “I'm pleased to say that Phillip has settled in really well. He is still finding his feet around the house.
“He is playful and comes to us for attention and a fuss on his terms, so we're really happy with how he's accepted this as his new home so quickly.”
David said that Phillip’s amputated ears “gives him character” and that he’s still lively despite his age. He also hoped that Phillip’s story would raise awareness of sun damage in cats, with many cat parents not being aware of the risks.
Skin cancer is one of a few types of cancer cats can have, so it’s important to be aware of the symptoms. If you have any concerns, it’s best to consult your vet. Take a look at our list of the most common illnesses in cats, too, so you know what to watch out for.
If you’re thinking of adopting an older feline yourself, meanwhile, here are our tips for taking care of senior cats. Rescues and shelters in your area should have plenty of information about their cats up for adoption so you can find the cat that’s perfect for you.
The cost of Phillip’s treatment amounted to nearly £1,000 ($1,263) – if you would like to contribute you can do so via JustGiving.
You may also be interested in: 32 reasons to adopt a cat or ‘I adopted two rescue cats saved from a cat hoarder’
