Gorgeous, 10-year-old, grey tabby boy Smokey, arrived at the Cornwall Adoption Centre at the beginning of March and it was instantly clear that there was a problem with both his eyes. He saw our vet and was diagnosed with having bilateral cataracts and glaucoma, which has resulted in blindness in his right eye and severe limited vision in his left eye. Both conditions are unfortunately untreatable at this stage. The pressure created by glaucoma potentially now or in the future will is likely to cause significant pain and discomfort to Smokey and therefore, in the interest of Smokey's welfare, it has been advised by the vet to enucleate (remove) both his eyes, to prevent any further pain or complications. Cats adapt very well to their surrounding environment when they are blind and can still enjoy a good quality of life. As Smokey has been progressively becoming blind for some time and already has very limited vision, we are confident that he will cope well after the operation.

Cats Protection advises that blind cats are rehomed to an indoor only home for their safety, which Smokey would cope with fine. Smokey is one of the friendliest cats you will meet! He is loving, affectionate and is straight out of his cabin to greet you as soon as he hears you, he will gently reach out with his paw to help locate you and give you a loving touch. He thoroughly enjoys any fuss and attention and is adorable when purring, rolling around and paddling away with his paws. He will make the most wonderful companion cat, so we are delighted that we can give him an opportunity of a new, pain free life.

We are asking for your help to raise £500 to help cover the cost of Smokey’s operation and recovery. As well as the operation to remove his eyes, we will also be carrying out blood tests to check him for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Feline Leukaemia; as well as a full blood profile which will check the condition of his vital organs, ensuring that he is in good condition to undergo the surgery beforehand. A blood pressure check will also be done. Smokey will be regularly seen by our vet during his recovering to ensure he is comfortable and that his wounds are healing well. Once he has recovered from his surgery, he will also then receive a full set vaccinations, be given up to date flea and worm treatments and be microchipped, before he is then sent to his new loving home.

Cats Protection receives no government funding, therefore we rely solely on the donations of kind supporters to ensure cats like Smokey get the best chance in life. We never put a healthy cat to sleep and Smokey can have a happy life ahead of him when we are able to find him a new home. We would very much appreciate any donation you feel you can give to our centre for Smokey’s care. Every penny help. Any funds raised above and beyond our target will be used to help other cats and kittens in our care at Cornwall Adoption Centre. For more information about our work, follow our Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/CornwallAdoptionCentre or find out more at: www.cornwall.cats.org.uk.