Geralds Story

In October the trappers were in San Antonio on numerous occasions and kept spotting a long-haired ginger and white cat that looked quite thin. They never managed to pin him down to a colony and because we can't take cats off the streets without authorisation he was left. This trip he was spotted again but was much thinner with matted hair and sad eyes. Maria was consulted (the lady who feeds many colonies in the San Antonio streets) she knew him and agreed he was not part of any colony and was often chased off by the other, more stronger tomcats. He rarely ate as Maria can not leave lots of food on the streets (complaints about it attracting rats from residents are common) so the cats have to eat what she puts down there and then. It was clear this cat had no way of getting regular food and was plainly ill. The girls where able to pick him up and he lay down with his head on Sue's lap, as if saying 'I can't cope anymore'. He was whipped off to the vet for a health check.

Gerald stayed at Toni's (our vets) for nearly 2 weeks, gradually building up his weight. We had him checked for deceases and he was clear. So it was simply a case that this cat had no survival skills for the streets. We were desperate not to put him back. Toni neutered him and took out clumps of his matted hair. We cleaned him up and his eyes started to shine again...he loved to play and even be groomed! However he was an adult cat with long hair...almost impossible to find a home for. Time was running out as he would have to leave Toni's soon. Jaki launched an appeal on Facebook and thankfully Sissi got in touch and said she would take him. Sissi has helped to re-home kittens to Germany for many years yet now is scaling back as she is leaving the island. Thankfully she has taken on Gerald and will nurse him back to full health so she can re-home him. I can't tell you how thankful for her help Jaki, Tracey and Sue are. He is such a sweet-tempered cat and very very gentle. If you know anyone in Ibiza that will give him a chance – do let us know! Poor Gerald. Contact us through email.