Rupert is a handsome fellow. He has wonderfully pale emerald green eyes, long whiskers, and is not opposed to affection; and of course, the fastest way to his heart is through his stomach. Unfortunately, for all his lovable characteristics Rupert has had a tough go at life.  

The male tabby cat was brought in by by-law to Pawsitive Haven Animal Rescue in Carstairs a few weeks ago. 

“He's young, maybe only six months old. When he came in, he was completely feral. We weren't able to touch him, we had to use the welding gloves to clean his kennel because he would just attack or hide in the corner,” said Kayleigh Coates, the rescue manager and co-owner of Pawsitive Haven Animal Rescue. “I think Rupert was in worse shape [than other cats], but I think it's because he was in pain.”  

With some tender love and care, Rupert did however come around.  

“He came around and started to show us that something was wrong with his leg. We were able to bring him to the vet and we did X-rays and found that his leg is completely broken,” she said. “But it was also severely infected; so he wasn't even a candidate for surgery until the infection was gone.” 

Rupert was on a round of antibiotics and is scheduled for surgery on Thursday, March 16th, but unfortunately, amputation of his front right paw is needed as it is beyond saving. 

Coates said the surgery will cost around $1600 dollars, hence the donations they are seeking.  

“We've put out a call for help from the public and they save us every time. We've been doing bottle run and just the kindness of people throwing us $5 here and there is all going towards Rupert,” Coates said.  

Thus far only $250 has been raised towards Rupert’s surgery. Those wanting to lend a helping hand for Rupert can donate via e-transfer to the rescue, and they can also call the Carstairs veterinarian and offer up one's credit card to go to the Pawsitive Haven Animal Rescue file, which will directly go towards Rupert's surgery bill.

"You can come into the shelter for a cash donation or debit."

However, Coates said that even with the surgery deadline looming, she and her staff will do everything they can to ensure Rupert gets the care he needs and deserves. Once the feisty feline does undergo surgery, it will take six to eight weeks for him to heal and then the quest for his forever home will begin.  

“For Rupert, I think, to start because he is still a little nervous, a quiet home somewhere where he can go and hide if he feels like scared and just someone that's going to let him come around on his own time,” she said. “He should honestly be like a normal cat. Eventually, he'll walk, he’ll run and he'll play. The only difference is he’ll have one arm.” 

 

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