Suffolk RSPCA looking for home for 'perfectly imperfect' cat

Hugo is looking for a new home, after he was returned to the charity

Author: Sian RochePublished 24th Jan 2024

The RSPCA in Suffolk says it's hoping to find a loving forever home for a cat with an unusual facial deformity, who's been returned to the charity six years after being adopted.

Six-year-old Hugo originally came into the care of RSPCA Martlesham Animal Centre in Ipswich, when he was rescued as a stray after living on the streets of Ipswich.

Little is known about his history so the centre does not know the cause of his facial deformity, but they believe Hugo was born with it, and it doesn’t cause him any issues.

“If anything, his perfectly imperfect look just adds to his brilliant character!” Donna Rich, cattery supervisor at RSPCA Martlesham, explained.

“Since Hugo was returned to us in November, we have been desperate to find him a loving home where he will feel calm and confident. Hugo is a gentle and sweet-natured cat who deserves his second chance at happiness.”

Although Hugo was rehomed to a loving owner six years ago, the charity tells us they were forced to make the difficult decision to return him due to issues with toileting which the owner was particularly concerned about when she fell pregnant.

Donna added: “He is super sweet and affectionate and loves having people around him and getting as much fuss as he can.

"However, he is quite a sensitive soul and finds certain things in the world scary which results in him toileting in inappropriate places as he feels the need to defend himself.

“When Hugo was first at the centre, he had a few accidents but since settling in with us he is using his litter tray more frequently and we're hopeful this will continue to improve. To help him in the cattery, we use Feliway (a diffuser) in his pen and also give him a supplement in his food which helps with bladder health and anxiety - and the branch will help with the cost of these supplements too.”

The charity says Hugo is looking for an experienced, patient and kind owner who will give him the time he needs to feel settled and safe in his new home and make adjustments to ensure all his needs are met.

He would prefer to be the only cat in a home and wouldn’t like to live with a dog. He can be rehomed to a family with primary school aged children or over, and will need to be able to go outside and explore.

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