Latest news with #Woodgreen
Yahoo
12-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Stray cat with 'worst case of fleas' on the mend
A stray cat with the worst case of fleas vets said they had seen "in years" is recovering after more than a month of treatment. Named Firefly by staff, the male was brought into Woodgreen Pets Charity in Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, by a member of the public who saw the cat struggling on one of the hottest days of the year last month. Woodgreen said he was "dangerously" dehydrated, "ravenously" hungry and much of his fur was missing because the flea infestation was so severe. The charity urged people to be aware of the dangers that extreme heat poses to pets - and particularly to stray or abandoned animals. The long-haired black and white cat is about four years old and was not neutered or microchipped, so Woodgreen staff ha no idea if he ever belonged to anyone or how long he had been fending for himself. The charity said when Firefly was brought in he was so underweight that vets had to put him on fluids immediately. Vets described it as one of the worst cases of fleas they had seen in years. They said he was "slowly gaining strength" although remained underweight and "constantly hungry". Beverley Street, senior operations manager at Woodgreen, said: "If Firefly hadn't come to us when he did, he wouldn't have survived. He was in a terrible state, and it was obvious he hadn't eaten for a while. "If you find an unwell or injured stray cat during hot weather, try to move them to a shaded, well-ventilated area and offer them cool, fresh water. "Contact a local vet or rescue charity as soon as possible - it may save their life. "Always avoid leaving animals in confined spaces for long periods during high temperatures - even with the best intentions, the heat can quickly become deadly." Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. More on this story Is summer over or is another heatwave on the way? Animal owners warned of 'huge risks' of heatwave Hot dogs and cool cats – advice for pet owners Related internet links Woodgreen Pets Charity
BBC News
12-08-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Stray cat with 'worst case of fleas' on mend in Cambridgeshire
A stray cat with the worst case of fleas vets said they had seen "in years" is recovering after more than a month of Firefly by staff, the male was brought into Woodgreen Pets Charity in Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, by a member of the public who saw the cat struggling on one of the hottest days of the year last said he was "dangerously" dehydrated, "ravenously" hungry and much of his fur was missing because the flea infestation was so charity urged people to be aware of the dangers that extreme heat poses to pets - and particularly to stray or abandoned animals. The long-haired black and white cat is about four years old and was not neutered or microchipped, so Woodgreen staff ha no idea if he ever belonged to anyone or how long he had been fending for charity said when Firefly was brought in he was so underweight that vets had to put him on fluids described it as one of the worst cases of fleas they had seen in said he was "slowly gaining strength" although remained underweight and "constantly hungry". Beverley Street, senior operations manager at Woodgreen, said: "If Firefly hadn't come to us when he did, he wouldn't have survived. He was in a terrible state, and it was obvious he hadn't eaten for a while."If you find an unwell or injured stray cat during hot weather, try to move them to a shaded, well-ventilated area and offer them cool, fresh water. "Contact a local vet or rescue charity as soon as possible - it may save their life. "Always avoid leaving animals in confined spaces for long periods during high temperatures - even with the best intentions, the heat can quickly become deadly." Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Dog with 'grapefruit-sized' head tumour rescued
An animal rescue charity is urging people to seek help for sick pets after saving an elderly dog with a tumour "the size of a grapefruit" on its head. Terrier Norman, aged 11, was brought to Woodgreen Pets Charity in Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, by its desperate owner who said they could not afford veterinary care. The dog had a 700g (1.5lb) growth - heavier than a bag of sugar - which the charity said was weighing down the small creature, was smelly and was attracting flies. Vets removed the benign growth in a "tricky, yet successful, operation" and Norman will be put up for rehoming, but the charity urged owners not to wait until an animal got into this state. The charity, made famous by Channel 4's series The Dog House, said Norman was brought in last month with a "growth the size of a grapefruit on his head, attracting flies and causing serious discomfort". His owner walked in asking for help, unable to afford food or the urgent vet treatment Norman needed, they said. The charity described Norman's tumour as "a huge, ulcerated lump". Helen Stapleton, head of intake and rehoming at Woodgreen, said: "The lump was so large and heavy that it dominated Norman's small body. It must have been very uncomfortable for him. "Luckily, Norman is doing well - he loves a cuddle and belly rub. "Norman's story is a stark reminder of the growing number of pet owners who are facing financial hardship because of the cost-of-living crisis, and are therefore having to make heartbreaking decisions. Sadly, we're seeing more cases like Norman's at Woodgreen," she added. The charity said it was hearing more and more stories of pet owners who were turning to food banks to feed both themselves and their animals, and said: "A significant concern is that we're seeing a growing number of owners delay veterinary visits out of fear they won't be able to afford the bill. "Sadly, this can potentially lead to longer-term or more serious health issues, and greater discomfort for pets – like Norman's case. "We urge anyone who's struggling to seek support before they reach this point." Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Hot dogs and cool cats – advice for pet owners Calls to charity for pet help rise during pandemic Pet owners struggling with food bills says charity Woodgreen Pets Charity
