Diabetic cat has been overlooked for over 100 days

A sun-loving diabetic cat at a Devon rehoming centre has just passed the unfortunate milestone of receiving no interest from potential adopters for over 100 days.

Unlike her other homeless counterparts at the Cats Protection Devon Cat Centre in Clyst Honiton, who are usually homed within 34 days, 13-year-old Myrtle has been waiting for three times as long, having arrived in care in February.

The clever diabetic puss, who is all-black with a splash of white on her chest, was cared for by a kind neighbour when her owners left her behind and could not be traced. She is on a special diet for her diabetes and has insulin injections twice a day, which she receives with ease.

Deputy centre manager Jackie Phipp is fostering Myrtle and says: “Myrtle loves lap snuggles, belly rubs, and making biscuits when she’s being groomed. Her gentle and confident nature makes her a joy to have around, and she thrives in the company of humans. Her favourite activities include searching out the best sunny spot in the house and foraging for kibble in her puzzle feeders."

Myrtle would do best in a calm and loving home, with people around to keep her company. She would be fine to live with older children. While she hasn’t interacted with dogs, Myrtle has shown she prefers to be the only cat in the household.

Jackie adds: “Myrtle will make a brilliant companion. We can show anyone interested in her how to do her injections and will be available to support the process. She’s very relaxed about it and makes no fuss as long as she’s given a dish of her favourite food to reward her good behaviour! Myrtle is certainly a foodie!”

Diabetes is a manageable condition which means the pancreas either doesn't produce enough insulin or the body doesn't respond to it properly. Insulin is needed to convert glucose from food into energy. If this process cannot take place fat or muscle protein has to be used to provide energy and without treatment cats like Myrtle would become very thin, hungry, thirsty, lethargic and ill. For more information about diabetes in cats visit www.cats.org.uk/diabetes

Jackie concludes: “We really don’t understand why Myrtle has been so overlooked as despite her stressful time before she arrived, her friendly nature has really shone through as she’s settled. We can’t wait to see her in a loving home.”

A video of Myrtle can be seen here: www.youtube.com/embed/YPAkzXGe-VA?si=84Gav_cBF47vEbkX

To offer Myrtle a home or find out more about the work of the centre visit www.cats.org.uk/axhayes