Jan 22 min read

Charlie Chaplin

Updated: 5 hours ago

White and black male, 8-10 years old. This is Charlie's rescue story by his fosterer, Rachel.

Charlie has had a very tough life for at least the past few years. He once had a home, however his owners moved just one mile away but chose to leave him behind. Apparently to them he was ‘just a cat’. To us, he is so much more.

After a couple of years and numerous attempts he was finally trapped in March 24, and

by that point Charlie was in a very bad way. His white fur was grey and matted, he had injuries, and his mouth was in a terrible state. He must have been in so much pain and distress. Left any longer and it would have been very difficult for him to eat - and he LOVES his food!

Under the care of Cats Gallore, then Pussycat Lodge, he has been neutered, flea and worm treated, fully shaved to get rid of all the matted fur, had TWO dentals to remove most of his teeth, had his injuries treated and been FIV and FeLV tested (negative), and Calicivirus tested (positive).

He needed medication to get the inflammation in his mouth under control, and he needed to be closely monitored, so Andrea asked me to take him in as a foster to treat him, and assess if there was any possibility of him adjusting to a human companion.

Charlie spent a lot of time hissing at me! The first time I attempted to touch him he turned very nasty. Who knows what he has been through, but it clearly left him terrified of people.

However, after months of talking to him, feeding him chicken, showing him he could trust me, that I wouldn’t hurt him, and that he is safe and loved, he is finally decompressing.

And…..guess what? HE HAS A PURR!!!! Underneath all his trauma, there is a beautiful cat that just wants to love, and be loved. He has quite the character, and now loves to sit on my lap, or curl up next to me purring away. He has really started to settle into domestic life and is very much ready for a forever home.

I have no doubt that once he has a home of his own, and has settled and feels safe, he will be the most wonderful companion. Charlie may need some ongoing medication, which he happily demolishes in his food, and will be discussed further on enquiry.

This boy really deserves his happy ending!

Please take a moment to look at the pictures and video below, which document his journey so far. This shows what can happen when rescues work together, support each other, and NEVER GIVE UP.