Cat rehomed by charity after cancer scare
Gracie's ears were amputated at the base to prevent disease spread.
Cats Protection has issued a health warning after a cat arrived with severely sun damaged ears.
Gracie received emergency surgery after a veterinary examination suggested her sun-damaged and 'crispy' ears could be cancerous.
Veterinary surgeons urgently amputated both of seven-year-old cat's ears at the base as a precaution to prevent disease spreading. Later tests confirmed the presence of cancerous cells, which could have proved fatal if not removed.
Gracie's health scare has prompted Cats Protection to remind cat owners of precautions they can take against sun damage.
Cat owners are advised to keep their pets indoors when the sun is at its hottest. This is usually between 10am and 3pm.
When cats are outdoors, they should easily be able to access shaded areas. Providing outdoor water sources can reduce the risk of cats becoming dehydrated.
It is also recommended that cat owners speak with veterinary professionals about suitable sunscreen options for their cat.
As a light-furred cat, Gracie is particularly vulnerable to the effects of sun damage. Cats Protection believes that, if the veterinary surgeon hadn't spotted the signs of sun damage, Gracie could have died.
Gracie is recovering well from the surgery, supported by an aftercare plan to reduce the risk of infection around the surgery site.
She is quickly learning to compensate for her lack of outer ears, tilting her head to better locate sounds. After building her confidence in the care of fosterers, Gracie has now found a home which can care for her needs.
Nikki Butcher, co-ordinator at Cats Protection Bracknell & Wokingham, said: “After all she has endured, Gracie has settled wonderfully in her new home. She has the run on the house and two people who dote on her.”
Gracie's intensive treatment was costly for the charity, which does not receive government funding. Volunteers have launched an online fundraiser to reach £1,000 to cover treatment costs.
Visit Gracie's JustGiving page to make a donation.
Image © Cats Protection
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
