A YOUNG rescue cat from Northwich whose birth defect made it agony for him to blink has been cured. 

Two-year-old Pep, who’s being looked after by a foster 'pawrent’ for Willowsway Cat Rescue, has now had his eye operation at a specialist vet in Warrington and is doing really well.   

He was suffering from a condition called entropion, which meant his eyelids turned inwards, causing his lashes to rub against the surface of his eyes every time he blinked. 

This was causing horrible irritation and soreness, as well as infections which, over time, could have led to permanent sight loss.

Willowsway’s appeal for help to fund Pep’s £2,600 eye surgery has also been pretty successful, though it still hasn’t reached the target sum of the full cost of the operation, medication, and follow-up care. 

Becky says Pep is no fan of the cone, but it's for his own good Becky says Pep is no fan of the cone, but it's for his own good (Image: Becky Jones) Pep’s current foster mum, Becky Jones, said he’s ‘like a completely different cat’ since his operation on Wednesday, October 30, which she said went ‘fantastically well’.  

She added: “He is so much better and brighter, which tells me he must have been in a lot of pain. 

"He had a little blip under the anaesthetic, but apart from that, it couldn’t have gone better.

“He can open his eyes fully now. He's clearly just so much more comfortable and happier in himself.

The two-year-old suffered from a painful condition called entropion, which can lead to permanent sight loss The two-year-old suffered from a painful condition called entropion, which can lead to permanent sight loss (Image: Becky Jones)

“He’s eating much better too and grooming himself regularly, and his mood overall is very much improved.

“We’ve had some very kind donations. One lady called at one of our volunteer’s homes with cash in an envelope because she doesn’t use the internet. It’s so heartwarming.

“He’s became a bit of a star with all the coverage online. We think Granada Reports might be coming down to meet him.

“We’re so grateful to everyone who’s made a contribution.”

Pep isn’t officially up for adoption yet and won’t be until he is fully recovered, though his new-found fame has stirred up interest in rehoming him permanently. 

Becky added: “When he’s fully fit, he’s going to make some lucky family very happy indeed.”

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

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

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

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