Cats Tales: An East Sussex rescue has saved the life of a loveable cat who is set to be a TV superstar!
Since setting up Catastrophes cat rescue in the ‘70s, Alan Knight OBE and Liz Varney, have rescued dozens of cats who were about to be put down or who could no longer be cared for by their owners.
Janet is a special case. When the furry four-year-old feline came to the no-kill sanctuary a few months ago, her jaw was fused shut. Thanks to demanding dental surgery she has been given a new lease of life and is set to star in More4’s Vet on the Hill. “Before her operation, Janet couldn’t clean her fur and we couldn’t clean her teeth, which caused big problems,” Alan said. “She was starting to get a mouth ulcer where her teeth were interlocking, which must have been terribly painful.”
Janet’s surgery went ahead about a month ago, and was made possible by well-wishers who donated over £1,000 to the cause. Surgeons flew in from Spain to perform the procedure, which was described as: “worthwhile attempting, although it may be challenging” by Ronan Doyle, European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery at Davies, Herts.
When the furry four-year-old feline came to the no-kill sanctuary a few months ago, her jaw was fused shut
The surgery was a huge success and Janet is now recovering in the company of the many other cats at the sanctuary’s cottage in Dallington, East Sussex. The affectionate white and grey cat is now a picture of health. Her distinctive tongue makes her a firm favourite among visitors and volunteers. “She used to drool all the time, and because she had to use her tongue to pick up food before her surgery, it’s grown stronger and longer,” said Alan, a purring Janet sitting in his lap.
The sanctuary is home to misfit cats from as far afield as Saudi Arabia, and takes in feral cats as well as moggies with disabilities or temperamental problems. “We welcome cats with bad temperaments,” explains Liz. “It takes a great deal of patience and care for them to settle, but once they’re here they do tend to settle very quickly and form friendships easily. If they don’t, they’re allowed to be cross and grouchy here.”
Catastrophes has proven to be so popular that the cottage is now at maximum cat-pacity, and Alan and Liz are busy preparing for the hectic Christmas season and for Janet’s TV debut.
I’m an animal fan of my own animals that I have ended up getting stuck with, but I genuinely admire what you do Liz. I spotted you on Scotts prog a long while back & thought ‘how can that lady possibly present so elegant & eloquently whilst looking after so many felines. Now I see it’s even more taxing with the true numbers you care for. Ýour team are fabulous but I agree with your philosophy of our generation was about feeding whoever whatever however we could. You do a fabulous deed for all those souls in need. Blessings to you all, 2 3 4+ leggeds, whoever you are, just continue with your amazing mission, it keeps you beautiful & young!