Pearl was taken to the Ross-on-Wye animal charity Help For Cats as a stray. It was thought that her owners had moved away and left her behind.

Fiona Leathart from Help for Cats told the Ross Gazette: “Her ears did not look in a good way so she was taken to the vet straight away, they advised that the ears were cancerous and would have to be amputated, as they were so badly infected and to prevent the cancer spreading.”

Pearl was booked in very quickly for the operation. She then had to be confined inside for several weeks and she had to wear an ‘Elizabethan’ collar to prevent her scratching her ears and making things worse.

Fiona said that she was a very good patient and she healed well. Not long after, Pearl was advertised for re-homing and she found a home with a man who really needed a companion cat. Pearl fitted the bill perfectly.

It is thought that she must have been a well-loved pet originally, considering her good demeanour. Pearl is now happy, free from pain, safe and loved in her new home.

Fiona said: “Had she not been rescued and come under the care of Help For Cats, her suffering would have been unimaginable and the continued life of struggle and deprivation would doubtless have killed her.”

Thankfully for Pearl the charity was able to help, but Help For Cats, like so many animal-dedicated groups, is struggling for its very existence. If you would like to contact the charity find them on Facebook or telephone 01989 750500 or 01989 565271.