Sweet Neil is reaching out to find a loving forever home

RSPCA rescue cat is named after singer Neil Diamond due to his unusual marking

An RSPCA cattery in Kent is hoping to find a loving forever home for a stray cat who was rescued after suffering from a painful burst abscess.

Now named Neil, the two-year-old white and black cat came into the charity’s care in November after he was rescued from Folkestone with a very large, burst abscess on the side of his face. It is believed he got the wound from fighting with other cats as he was living as a stray on the streets.

He was brought to the Ashford Garden Cattery, run by the RSPCA Kent, Ashford, Tenterden and District Branch, after receiving vital vet care. He was initially very scared and fearful and in a lot of pain, but with treatment, his friendly personality soon shone through. Staff at the cattery named him ‘Neil’ due to the distinctive marking on the back of his neck – a perfect diamond shape (see below).

Lisa Dennis, branch manager, said: “Poor Neil has been through the wars a little bit. He was rescued as a stray cat with a nasty wound on the side of his face from a burst abscess. Thankfully, he has healed really well and is now looking for his forever home.

“With paws touching hands, reaching out, sweet Neil wants to show you that good times never seemed so good when you have him on your lap! And looking at the nights they don’t seem so lonely either!”

Neil would like a calm, family home, preferably with children over the age of around eight. He would prefer to be the only cat in the home and wouldn’t like to live with a dog. Neil will need access to the outdoors to explore but he also absolutely loves company, so would prefer an owner who is around for a good part of the day.

Lisa added: “He is a friendly cat who loves fuss and attention and to curl up on your lap – he will make a lovely companion for someone hoping to bring a cat into their lives. Neil is also a foodie and likes to chat and chirrup so he is full of personality. He would make an amazing addition to a special family.”

The Ashford Garden Cattery is one of eight independent RSPCA branches and one national centre in the county who rehabilitate and rehome rescued animals and help animals most in need in Kent.

Many will have endured horrendous suffering but with the care of dedicated staff and volunteers they will be helped to recover before they are found loving homes.

As the RSPCA marks its 200th year in 2024, it revealed that in the ten years up until the end of 2022* these centres in Kent have found new homes for a staggering 17,319 animals.

For further information about Neil, please contact the branch on branch@rspca-ashforddistrict.org.uk or call 01233 646855.

If you’re interested in adopting Neil, please fill out a ‘perfect match’ form available from the website and send it directly to the branch email above.