The Journey of Mack

Mack’s story is one of heartbreak, hope and, ultimately, a heartwarming new chapter in his journey. This beautiful, big, tabby-and-white boy, estimated to be around 11 years old, had a rough start before finding his new forever home.

Earlier this year, Mack was left abandoned when his elderly owners moved into a care home. Tragically, their family chose to shut him out of the only home he had ever known, leaving him alone in the bitter cold. Day after day, Mack could be found sitting by the door, crying to be let back in. Thankfully, a neighbour noticed his plight and contacted us at Berkshire Cat Centre.

With the house now up for sale and no one to care for him, Mack had been left to fend for himself in the freezing garden of his previous home. He found a small bit of shelter under an overturned armchair covered in frost, while the kind neighbour kept an eye on him, providing food and trying to gain his trust.

But Mack was understandably frightened and wouldn’t let anyone near him. We knew we had to act fast, and with the help of a humane trap and some mackerel (which later inspired his name), we finally brought Mack to safety.

When he first arrived at Berkshire Cat Centre, Mack was in rough shape. The cold weather had taken its toll, leaving him with a painfully sore and cracked nose. He was underweight, and it soon became clear why. Mack had a large lump on his tongue, likely caused by an allergic reaction. This swollen, infected lump made eating a struggle for him. But with the right care, including a course of antibiotics and steroids, Mack began to heal.

At first, he was understandably scared, often hiding under his Hide & Sleep® cat hide and hissing to keep people away due to feeling vulnerable and in pain.

But as his tongue started to heal, so did his trust in people. Slowly but surely, Mack revealed his true, affectionate nature. He began to rub up against us, rolling around on the table for more attention, and it wasn’t long before he became a team favourite.

After two months of recovery, Mack was ready for a new home. He found his perfect match in a loving couple who provided him with all the care and patience he needed to feel safe again. They gave him a cosy igloo bed where he could hide, relax and build his confidence.

Although Mack was shy at first, the couple took things slowly and went at Mack’s pace. One day, as they sat on the settee, Mack hopped up next to them and fell asleep, a sign that he had finally found his place.

Now, Mack is thriving in his new home, where he loves nothing more than a good scratch and plenty of fuss. His purrs say it all, Mack is finally happy, healthy and loved.

At Cats Protection, we have seen the rate of abandoned cats and kittens increase by over 30% this year. Cats will never know why they’ve been abandoned. They only know the cold, fear and hunger, and that they’re far from home. But their journey doesn’t end there. Our expert team will get to know every abandoned cat so we can find their perfect owner and home, and ensure they’re healthy and ready to continue their journey. 

We have launched this appeal to help us support more cats and kittens like Mack. Your support will provide the food, warmth and expert care that cats who we help need, until we find them a loving new home. 

On average we estimate it costs round £150 in vets fees for every cat which comes into us.

Can you help support us to support the cats and kitten abandon in our area?

Find out more: www.cats.org.uk