When Animal Welfare Officer Millie Heath was called out to help a cat living rough on the outskirts of Exeter, she expected a challenge, but Neo had more than a few surprises in store.
Reported as a stray by locals who had been feeding him for nearly two years, Neo had never let anyone get too close. Scruffy, elusive and fiercely independent, he’d earned himself a reputation as a ‘feral’ cat. But when one neighbour noticed something was seriously wrong with his eye, we knew we had to step in.
Trapping and treating feral or semi-feral cats is never straightforward. Not only is it stressful for the animal, but treatment options aren’t always clear-cut. In Neo’s case, however, the decision was made. We couldn’t let him suffer. Once safely at the shelter, our vet team discovered that his eye was beyond saving. The only option was removal.
What happened next caught us all off guard. As Neo recovered from surgery, the ‘feral’ cat who had never let anyone near him began to change. Slowly, cautiously, he started seeking out affection, first a purr, then a head bump, and eventually a full-on snuggle. It turned out this scrappy survivor wasn’t feral at all. He was just scared, in pain, and waiting for the right chance to trust.
With a bit of time and patience, Neo’s personality shone through. He became a gentle, affectionate companion who adored a warm lap and a good game with his toy mice. Once ready, he was matched with a loving new home, and we’re so happy to say he is now safe, content, and very much adored.
Neo’s transformation is just one example of the extraordinary care our team gives to animals in need. Whether it’s an emergency rescue, major surgery, or months of rehabilitation, we never turn our backs on an animal in pain. We do everything we can to give them the second chance they deserve.
But we can’t do this alone. Every operation, every treatment, every happy ending is only possible because of the kindness of people like you. Your donations help us give animals like Neo the care, safety and love they need to thrive. Thank you for making stories like his possible.
Why neutering and rescue work are more vital than ever.
An estimated 247,000 stray cats live in urban areas across the UK, with the total number of feral and unowned cats likely exceeding 800,000.
Just 14% of cats in the UK are neutered by four months old—the age at which they can already start reproducing.
Around 1.4 million pet cats in the UK are still unneutered, increasing the risk of unplanned litters.
A single unneutered female can be responsible for up to 20,000 descendants in just five years.
Each year, shelters across the country see a spike in unwanted kittens during “kitten season” (April to October), many born to stray or abandoned cats.
Many of these kittens face neglect, disease or worse if not rescued in time.
