After about three years on the run, Bruce the cat still didn’t furr-get where his home was, recently crawling into the wardrobe of his old pad at Lake Hayes Estate — which is no longer occupied by his humans.
QT Community Cats owner/operator Andrea Balona says the new residents got a shock to find the malnourished 10-year-old tabby, who had a large wound on the side of his face, requiring urgent medical attention, and rushed him to Petfirst Veterinary Queenstown.
Balona suspects the wound may have resulted from a dog attack, given his reaction to hearing dogs barking.
The vets also discovered he needed urgent dental surgery, which has been carried out, and has contracted feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), a condition which requires special care for the rest of his life.
Bruce’s original humans were able to be contacted thanks to his registered microchip, and while they’re thrilled to hear he’s finally returned home, they’ve since moved to the North Island and have adopted another cat.
Because he has FeLV, they can’t take him in, because of the risk he’d pass it on to their new cat.
For now, Bruce, who’s on a high-calorie diet to help him beef up, is having a paws at QT Community Cats, till he’s well enough to find a furever home.
"At 10 years old, Bruce has already lived a life of adventure, but what he truly needs now is a quiet, loving home to live out his days in peace," Balona says.
"He may only have a few years left, but his love is boundless.
"Whether as an only cat, or in a home with other FeLV-positive companions, Bruce is ready to share his heart with someone special."
Meantime, a Givealittle page — ‘Bruce Needs Help!’ — has been set up to cover the costs of his surgery, while Balona is also welcoming donations to cover the costs of his ongoing support and housing.
Donations can be made via bank transfer to 06-0949-0402233-00
