SCAD is a Member Society of
Injured Cat Rescued by Community 'Auntie'
Many of the animals that enter SCAD's neuter & treatment programme come from neighbourhoods that tolerate strays. There is often a community member who cares for the animals to varying degrees. This is dependent on many factors: the number of animals, the income of the carer, the free time they have available and the attitude of the community towards both the carer and the animals. They are known as 'aunties' (or occasionally 'uncles') and would give their last grain of rice to animals in need. SCAD is continually humbled by their selflessness in such difficult circumstances.
One such auntie brought a cat to SCAD in January 2008. She had found the distressed kitty in her neighbourhood and was horrified by its condition. The little white female had obviously been subjected to some trauma – we can only guess at the history; it may have been a road traffic accident, a dog attack or a cruelty case. One eye protruded grotesquely from its socket, the other was clouded and blue. There had been some attempt to treat her and she had been abandoned on the street shaved along her back and abdomen and doused with green antiseptic fluid; her tail was wrapped in a filthy bandage.
Like the wind she is named after, Lom
touched us all with her gentle caress.
Our resident vet, Dr Komkrit, found that the cat had suffered nerve damage to the tail at the point where it joined her body. The protruding eye was beyond saving and the little cat had only limited vision in her remaining eye. He operated to remove her tail and one eye. Although disorientated and frightened, Lom (as she was named meaning Wind in Thai) was affectionate and enjoyed human contact.
Lom was given cage rest after surgery and a great many cuddles by SCAD staff and volunteers! As time drew nearer for her release, the SCAD team fretted about her future – even in the cage Lom struggled to locate her food bowl and litter tray and it was very apparent that she would not survive on the street. Then serendipitously, the 'auntie' came to say that she had found a home for Lom - a friend had offered to care for this brave little cat for the rest of her life. SCAD was sad to see her go, but happy and grateful that she has a second chance at life.