TURKEY/UNITED KINGDOM – A Turkish stowaway cat survived miracle journey to Britain on back of a truck!
The long-distance stowaway miraculously and surprisingly survived the 1,800-mile road odyssey across Europe despite having nothing to eat or drink.
Luckily, kindhearted cat lovers have saved her life because she could easily have been euthanized once she was discovered by a shocked lorry driver as he unloaded in Northampton.
Strict rules govern the arrival of stowaway animals into the UK and, if her quarantine fees had not been paid, she could have been destroyed after 15 days.
The long-distance stowaway miraculously survived the 1,800-mile road odyssey across Europe
Top feline charity Cats Protection stepped right in to support the two year old, now named Matilda, and it is hoped that she will be found a new home in Britain once she has been given a health all-clear.
Sadly, Matilda did suffer one small tragedy as she traveled from the Middle East. She gave birth to three kittens in the back of the truck but they all failed to survive the long journey.
Matilda was very lucky to live herself. When she was discovered by the long distance lorry driver she was in a very poor state, severely dehydrated and emaciated.
Cats Protection today went on to explain how Matilda would have been put to sleep had it not been for kind-hearted cattery owners who contacted them for help.
After being given an initial veterinary examination when she was found, Matilda was then taken to the Caragan Four Paws Pet Hotel in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, to be quarantined.
Co-owner of the cattery and kennels Maureen Adams stated: “Unfortunately as Matilda isn’t microchipped, we have no way of identifying her and Government guidelines dictate that in cases like this cats should be euthanised if an owner can’t be found in 15 days.
“Clearly, she needs to be held in quarantine and that’s why she was transferred to us. But we are very committed animal lovers and putting a healthy cat to sleep is not something we want to be part of.
“As rehoming cats isn’t our area, we needed expert help and we contacted Cats Protection who agreed to take her on. It means that after her quarantine period Matilda will go to the charity for rehoming.
“She was clearly once a pet, as she is very tame. She is a very sweet, friendly and affectionate cat and she really deserves a loving home after all she’s been through.”
Cats Protection, the UK’s largest feline charity which helps around 200,000 animals per year through its national network of over 250 volunteer-run branches and 32 centres, has now launched an appeal to pay Matilda’s costs, estimated at £1,000.
Cats Protection’s Branch Support Manager Beverley Mitchell stated she was pleased that the charity could offer a second chance to Matilda, who will be transferred to one of the charity’s adoption centres after her four-month quarantine period.
She stated: “Matilda has been through a dreadful ordeal being stuck in the lorry and losing her kittens. It must have been hot, dark and terrifying for her, and with no food and water she is fortunate to have survived.
“She is a lucky cat to have found so many animal lovers along the way who have helped her out: from the lorry driver who discovered her and took her straight to a vet, to the cattery staff who have refused to give up on her and contacted Cats Protection for help.”
To make a donation to Matilda’s important appeal, please call Cats Protection on 0800 917 2287. Any funds which are raised over the quarantine costs will go towards helping other cats in the charity’s care.
