Northwich rescue cat's eye condition makes is agony to blink

Pep, who is just two, was handed over to staff at Willowsway Cat Rescue six months ago when his owners couldn’t look after him anymore.

He suffers from a condition called entropion, which means his eyelids turn inwards, causing his lashes to rub against the surface of his eyes when he blinks.

This causes severe irritation and soreness which he can't escape from, as well as infections which overtime can lead to blindness.

Pep's been having eye drops and antibiotics since he arrived at the rescue centre, and while it's been relieving his immediate symptoms to some extent, he's in desperate need of an operation.

A specialist vet could remove small sections of skin from his eyelids, which would turn the lashes outward and stop them sticking in his eyes.

Pep's temporary foster mum, Becky Jones, says he's very chatty and affectionate when he isn't in pain (Image: Becky Jones) The downside is, together with the medicine he’s already had from the specialist, the cost to cure him will be £2,600.

Becky Jones, a Willowsway volunteer and Pep’s temporary foster mum, said: “He's a such lovely boy. He’s so chatty and affectionate when he isn’t in pain.

“When he was brought to us, his eyes were in a bad way, but I'm sorry to say they’ve got progressively worse.

“Since then, he’s had creams, gels, ointments, drops, and antibiotics, and while we think he has been getting some temporary relief, he saw an eye specialist vet in Warrington on Wednesday, and what he really needs is an operation.

“It’s going to cost £2,213. We’re a small, local charity and we really don’t have that kind of money on hand.

Pep's operation is going to cost £2,213, which the charity can't stretch to by itself (Image: Becky Jones) “It makes me quite emotional to think about him suffering.

“As we’re pretty sure his condition is curable, and as he’s such a young cat, we’re going to try our best to raise the funds, but we’re going to need a little help.”

Willowsway is accepting donations towards Pep’s operation, which can be made directly into Willowsway’s bank account (details on their Facebook page), Paypal, or in cash at 23 Belgrave Road, Northwich, CW9 8DB.

Becky added: “Any help would be greatly appreciated, however small.

“Pep is a wonderful cat, and when his eyes are better, he has every chance of finding his perfect forever home with a lovely family.

“We also accept donation of food, litter, and other supplies for all our cats at various locations in and around Northwich.

"We also really need donations of prizes for tombolas, raffles, and bingo."

Willowsway can be contact though Facebook, or via their website.