Foster appeal for cat, 20, found at power station

An elderly tabby cat is in need of a new home after being found as a stray at a major power station.

Buzz, who is believed to be about 20 years old, was recently found emaciated and nearly blind and deaf at Drax Power Station, near Selby.

When he was discovered, he had been "desperately weak" and covered in matted fur and faeces, which had initially been mistaken for tumours, according to the RSPCA.

After being taken into the care of the Goole branch of the animal welfare charity, Buzz was getting "stronger every day" and was now looking for a long-term foster home, staff said.

The equivalent of 96 years old in human years, Buzz is thought to be one of the oldest cats the charity has ever taken in, an RSPCA spokesperson said.

About £500 was raised by supporters after the branch appealed for help to cover the cost of his urgent veterinary treatment, including blood tests, teeth extraction and medication.

Georgina Petty, from the RSPCA, said: "Although his recovery hasn't been entirely smooth, Buzz's resilience and refusal to give up on life has been truly astonishing -and we'd like to thank everyone who gave so generously towards his appeal.

"His vision, although imperfect, has improved. He's gained significant weight, his fur is growing and his wounds are healing beautifully.

"He's had several teeth removed, wounds stitched up, and is receiving ongoing care for arthritis and hyperthyroidism, something commonly seen in older cats."

Ms Petty added that although Buzz had a willing mind, his body did not always follow through and he became tired easily.

Buzz was originally registered at another rescue centre as a young cat in 2005 and then adopted.

He was then rehomed about a decade ago, but the details on his microchip were never updated and it was thought he had been fed by a worker at the power station for some time.

Staff at the RSPCA's Goole branch said they were looking for a calm, indoor-only, long-term foster home for Buzz, without other pets.

Remaining under the care of the Goole branch, his new home would ideally be local to allow him to attend regular vet appointments, they said.

His food, ongoing treatment and medication would be paid for by the branch, staff added.

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