Recovering anorexic cat hungry for new home

Nike is a four-year-old male tabby cat who baffled Blue Cross vets after showing signs of anorexia, which may have been a result of stress. Now on the mend, he needs a new home where he can make a full recovery.

Nike was brought into The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Northiam when his owner could no longer look after him. Nike did not respond well to living in a cattery environment and despite efforts made by staff at the Northiam centre he began losing weight and developed liver problems.

Nike’s condition deteriorated and after seeing a local vet he was transferred to The Blue Cross animal hospital in Merton, London. A biopsy showed that changes in his liver had occurred because he wasn’t eating properly. His liver was successfully treated and vets say that in time it should get fully back to normal. Nike is also beginning to eat a little more. 

Nike now needs a loving home where he can fully recuperate and regain his full appetite and zest for life. A foster care scheme is in place for anyone who wants to give Nike a home, which means The Blue Cross will pay for any future treatment relating to his recent illness.

Maria Marmo, Blue Cross centre manager at Northiam said: “Nike does not like cattery life and we were really worried about him when he stopped eating. He is a cute shy boy who needs company, a very sweet cat who likes to sit on your lap and cling to you. He would be perfect for someone who wants a cat who will give them a hug!” 

The Blue Cross fostering scheme was first introduced to cater for elderly or infirm animals that can be difficult to rehome on a permanent basis. The scheme means the charity continues to pay for a pet’s medical bills (for known medical conditions) and provides ongoing support to new owners. All Blue Cross animal adoption centres now run a fostering scheme. In the last year, more than 6,000 animals were rehomed by The Blue Cross, of which more than 200 were on a foster care basis. 

To find out more about adopting or fostering Nike please contact The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Northiam on 01797 252243 or visit the centre at St Francis Fields, Northiam, Sussex.

Media contact
Louise Lee: 0207 932 4066
Mobile: 07880 781637

Notes to editors

Images of Nike are available

The Northiam animal adoption centre was opened in the late 1960s, and serves the communities of South East Sussex and parts of Kent. The site was converted from old farmhouses, and the reception is housed in a distinctive Oast house formerly used to dry hops.

The centre can accommodate up to eleven dogs and 34 cats, as well as providing ample facilities for up to 25 horses and ponies on the equine part of the site. Hundreds of animals are successfully rehomed every year.

To contact the centre please call 01797 252243. Companion animal reception opening hours: Monday & Wednesday - Saturday: 9.30am - 12noon & 1pm - 3.30pm. Sundays: 10am - 12noon. Bank Holidays: 9.30am - 12noon & 1pm - 3pm.

The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.