Talisker may lose eye after being left in freezing cold
Talisker is now being cared for at a animal hospital. Picture: RSPCA
January 30, 2023
A male kitten is being cared for by the RSPCA after being found dumped in a bucket in Chiswick despite having a severe eye infection.
It was spotted in a clear-lidded receptacle on Sutton Court Road on Wednesday 18 January at 8pm by a member of the public.
The kitten has now been renamed Talisker and is under veterinary care at Finsbury Park Animal Hospital. The RSPCA is appealing for anybody who recognises him to contact them.
RSPCA inspector Dale Grant said, “A member of the public came across a plastic bucket containing a kitten on her way home from work. Alongside the kitten, she also found a bag with kitty litter, a blanket, food and cat toys inside - so she took the kitten home.
“The lady, not wanting to leave the kitten home on his own whilst she went to work the next day, kindly took him with her and called us to pick him up. When I arrived, he was snuggled up and sleeping on a stack of carpet samples.
“He is approximately 10 weeks old and had a terribly infected right eye - it appeared to be ulcerated and was so swollen you couldn’t see his eyeball. He must have been in horrible pain with it, poor thing.
“Times are really difficult right now and vet bills are a source of huge worry to many people. However, we do urge anyone who is struggling with caring for an animal to reach out for help. No matter how tough things are, abandoning pets like this is irresponsible and cruel.”
The RSPCA has sadly seen a 24% increase in reports of animal abandonment this winter, whilst the charity's Animal Kindness Index found that 28% of owners are worried about not being able to care for their pets.
Pet owners can find a range of practical help and advice on the RSPCA’s cost of living hub. The charity has also launched a dedicated cost of living phone line - 0300 123 0650 - for those looking for support.
Dale added: “Talisker has been a huge hit with the nurses at Finsbury Park Animal Hospital, he has really stolen all of our hearts. Sadly Talisker might lose his eye as a result of the infection, but he’s in good hands and being well looked after.
“If anyone recognises Talisker or has any useful information they can ring the RSPCA confidentially on 0300 123 8018, as we are eager to find out who abandoned him”
Advice on caring for an animal and coping with vet bills during the cost of living crisis can be found on the RSPCA website.
You can help protect animals from the cost of living crisis this winter by joining the RSPCA’s Winter Rescue.
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