Flea-ridden rescue cat becomes blood donor to save dying kitten

By Ed Chatterton

A flea-ridden cat rescued by an animal charity has made a miracle recovery - and gone on to save the life of a dying kitten by becoming an unlikely blood donor.

Pearl, an 11-year-old domestic shorthair black cat, was brought to Blue Cross after her owner tragically died.

Vets discovered the poor cat was suffering with agonizing wounds across her back and tail caused by a severe flea infestation.

But after weeks of care from the charity, Pearl has undergone a remarkable transformation and is now ready to find a forever home.

And in a heartwarming twist, the brave feline became a lifesaver herself during her stay at the animal hospital in Victoria, central London.

Having recovered from her own ordeal, Pearl donated blood to help save 5-week-old stray kitten Drew, who was found abandoned under a bush on Tooting Common, South London.

The tiny tabby was desperately ill with severe anemia caused by fleas and urgently needed a blood transfusion.

After Pearl proved a blood-type match, her life-saving donation then helped Drew pull through.

He is now recovering in a Blue Cross foster home while he waits to be rehomed.

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Shocking before and after pictures also show the scale of Pearl’s infestation before her incredible recovery.

Amanda Rumball, London welfare officer at Blue Cross, said: “Pearl came to us in such sad circumstances but with care in one of our loving volunteer foster homes, alongside treatment in our hospital, we have been able to give her the care she needed.

“While Pearl needed our help, it is incredible to think that she was then able to help save another cat’s life by donating blood.

“She has been through so much and deserves a loving home where she can enjoy the happy, comfortable life she deserves.”

The charity says a cat can become a blood donor when they are between 1 and 8 years old, weigh at least 8.8 pounds to 9.9 pounds, and are in good general health.

As Drew was dying and Pearl was in good health, the decision was made to take the blood from her as they were both Type A.

Pearl is now looking for a new home at the charity’s rehoming center in Kimpton, Hertfordshire.

She is described as a “mature little lady who enjoys the quieter things in life” and she can often be found “curled up asleep or sitting comfortably on her chair, calmly watching the world go by.”

She “enjoys gentle fuss and affection” and “batting soft pom-pom balls around when the mood takes her.”

Anyone who thinks they could offer Pearl a home can visit bluecross.org.uk for more information.