Long-distance Traveller
Name of cat: Houston
Name of owner: Irene Whyte
Houston survived six weeks in a crate that travelled thousands of miles across the Atlantic from Houston, Texas to Aberdeen. She was given artificial blood after she was found clinging to life when guys at my work opened the 40 ft. container on its arrival to the warehouse. They saw something under a pallet and went to investigate. If they had moved the pallet they would have killed her!
We were originally told that the 6 month old cat had not survived but when a quarantine specialist was called to dispose of the body, he realised she was still alive and then the desperate fight to save her began. She was rushed unconscious and close to death to Ardene veterinary hospital in Aberdeen and given artificial blood costing £200 a bag and put on to a intravenous drip and made a slow battle for survival.
The container ship docked at Felixstowe before the Aberdeen bound container was transported by rail to Aberdeen. She must have survived on condensation. She is now living with myself, my husband and our 4-month-old baby girl and she is quite a character. She comes in with worms and birds, usually alive and I have to set them free.
Most Incredible Story
Name of cat: Susskin
Name of owner: Alison Hodge
Susskin was rescued as a small kitten after being shut in a door. The vet successfully saved her back leg and she came to me at 9 weeks, moving around quite easily - not able to jump but a good scramble seemed quite adequate. At a year old I discovered she was blind and she has recently developed asthma.
For the last 7 years Susskin has waited eagerly each Sunday for Edward who is severely autistic, doesn't speak and on bad days arrives having a tantrum, jumping, stamping and screaming. All my other cats make a very quick exit. But none of this deters Susskin.
She waits patiently while Edward quietens down and then we start his music therapy. Susskin comes and sits at Edward's feet purring. Edward normally has a terror of cats and dogs - but gives Susskin a stroke and chuckles to himself.
Susskin shows other unusual qualities. She senses well in advance who is approaching the house and if the person is of dubious character runs growling to the door.
She is a great favourite with my other cats and thinks nothing of caring for Fluffkin's kittens to give her a break.
Best Turn-Around
Name of cat: Mittens
Name of owner: Beverley Dales
Just over 18 months ago we obtained Mittens from Lincs Cat Trust. She became incredibly ill within 5 days, and had given birth 10 days before to a litter of dead and alive kittens.
She was skinny and small and developed severe infections, bleeding and crying. She lay face down on the carpet grumbling when I touched her and her fur fell out down her back, with skin weeping.
After severe vaccine reactions she was ill for months. I took her out 3 times a day, walking by my side through fields, occasionally stopping for a rest, with no lead - just trust.
She is now a beautiful cat - she goes to work on the farm / caravan site and has a lift to work in the van. She rides diggers, tractors etc. with the workers, play with the children on-site and visits some caravans each day to say hello.
She introduces herself to lorries delivering and sits in their cabs. She now gives unconditional love and trust back.
