We have recently taking in a cat with severe skin issues. Queenie, as we have named this regal girl, has suffered with skin issues for several years and now she is here we can effectively treat her skin and find her a new home where she will be comfortable and happy.

The most likely cause of Queenies skin condition is Flea Allergic Dermatitis, or FAD, but with regular flea prevention treatment this can usually be controlled. Poor Queenie was in such distress from her condition that she scratched her neck red raw and chewed the base of her tail and hind legs, leaving her with large patches of fur missing and very sore, red, crusty skin with multiple scabs. Even the use of a protective neck cone to stop her scratching aggravated her condition further. As a precaution our contracted vets took a skin scrape to test Queenie for any other underlying conditions, such as ring worm. Unfortunately this led to the awful discovery that Queenie has the bacterial infection, MRSA and she had to be moved to the isolation area.

The Staphylococcus bacteria which causes MRSA is naturally present in the skin of all cats and will not normally cause an infection, unless there is an opportunity to. Skin allergies such as Queenies are often a source of Staphylococcus infection in cats, as it develops when the cat scratches or licks at their skin excessively.

We are determined to help Queenie fight the infection so she can feel more comfortable. General Manager, Claire Sparkes had this to say about the poor girl, When Queenie arrived she was clearly in a lot of pain and discomfort and we were pleased to be able to offer our help. In just a few days she is a different cat; incredibly friendly, affectionate and very nosey! We knew that once her skin condition was under control it wouldnt take long to find her a loving home, so we were devastated when we learned she had developed MRSA. Thankfully she is young and strong so we expect her to make a full recovery. In the mean time she will still enjoy plenty of attention from our staff, once they have donned their PPE. We are very much looking forward to her skin healing so we can begin the search for her purrfect forever home.

It is estimated it will cost £1000 for all the treatment and medication that Queenie will need now and in the future, as well as basic care such as flea and worm treatment and vaccinations.

If we are lucky enough to raise more money than is needed it will go towards helping the other animals in our care.