At Worldwide Veterinary Service, we provide expert care for all animals who need our help, big or small and of any species. This of course includes our feline friends for whom we provide veterinary services to in places all around the globe, anywhere from India to the Galapagos Islands. International Cat Day takes place annually on 8th August in celebration of our four-legged feline friends.
In this article, you’ll discover more about our work to improve the welfare of cats, and about how your support can make a difference in all parts of the world. Let’s unite to ensure that cats, and all animals, can receive the love and care they deserve.
Life-saving care at their time of need: A spotlight on recent patients
A close call for Candy in India
A young cat named Candy was presented to us as an emergency case at our WVS Hicks clinic in Goa, India. Her owner was extremely worried as suddenly Candy had begun to show signs of extreme distress and was unable to walk.
A radiographic examination revealed that a 3mm diameter air gun bullet was lodged in Candy’s spine. Based on Candy’s history, clinical signs, and examination results, a spinal cord injury secondary to a gunshot wound was established.
To prevent further pressure on Candy’s spine, our team were determined to extract the pellet as soon as possible. Candy’s surgery was scheduled and the next day, our team successfully removed the bullet with minimal injury to the vertebral spine.
Following her surgery, Candy has been undergoing intensive physiotherapy along with medical management and thankfully has shown considerable improvement. Our team are delighted that Candy has now regained sensation in both her hind limbs and is slowly re-learning how to walk.
Urgent wound treatment for Millie in Malawi
In Malawi, we have a WVS team based year-round at the BSPCA clinic in Blantyre. Hundreds of cats are treated at the clinic every year, as well as other small animal patients, and our team ensure each patient receives high quality care at their time of need – and of course lots of love to help with their healing journey.
After wandering into the wrong compound, Millie was attacked by dogs and suffered a nasty wound to her leg. Thankfully there was no fracture to the leg, but poor Millie was in a lot of pain and was understandably very frightened.
Our veterinary team treated her wound giving her plenty of cuddles and fuss along the way. Despite her pain and ordeal, Millie was a lovely patient and was very tolerant of the regular bandage changes needed.
Sadly no owner has come forward for Millie, but once she has fully recovered, she will move into the clinic’s shelter ready to find a new home that is as wonderful as she is.
Urgent treatment for Snowy in the Galápagos Islands
At our clinic on the Island of Santa Cruz in the Galápagos Islands, Snowy came to us with a trauma injury on her lower jaw, with the tissue parting with the jaw itself.
The team got straight to work and Snowy was stabilised on fluids, pain relief, and antibiotics. It was decided that under general anaesthetic, our vets would assess the damage in more detail.
There was a risk of tissue ‘breakdown’ after surgery as there was a high chance that small parts of the tissue had lost their blood supply.
The team decided to perform two surgeries; the first surgery cleaned and removed the dead tissue and sutured the tissue to the jaw, and then a second surgery to remove any further tissue that had died.
In recovery, Snowy needed a feeding tube so that we could feed her without moving her jaw. Thankfully, the surgeries were successful and Snowy has made a fantastic recovery.
Without access to veterinary care, animals like Candy, Millie, and Snowy would suffer silently in their time of need. Your support can give animals around the world a brighter, safer, and happier future.
Rehoming: A new beginning for furry friends
After a patient has received treatment and has fully recovered, the next step is to find them a safe and loving new home. Many of the cats we treat will have been through traumatic events, they may have suffered from severe injuries or may have been subjected to neglect and mistreatment, therefore it is vitally important that we give them the best possible chance at a new life.
Cat courses: Training to raise the standard of care
As well as directly treating our feline patients, we are enhancing their welfare on an international scale through the provision of feline-focused training opportunities for veterinarians and veterinary professions. This can include learning best practice in cat spay and neuter surgeries, as well as specialist courses, and animal handling workshops.
This recent cat animal birth control (ABC) course was delivered at one of our International Centres (ITC) in Ooty in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. During this course, the veterinarians in attendance had an excellent opportunity to learn from our experienced ITC vets and get hands-on experience.
Cat training course at our ITC in Ooty
Outreach: Extending our reach
As well as providing care for cats who have become sick and injured, we also deliver preventive treatments including vaccinations, anti-parasite treatments, and spay/neuter surgeries to alleviate suffering caused by overpopulation.
Care for cats outreach day in Thailand
Parcels for paws: Aid shipments sent to help cats worldwide
Our aid parcels are sent to charities and organisations treating and caring for animals anywhere in the world. These are made possible by our members and donors, as well as those who donate pet medication and veterinary supplies. We receive medication from individuals who may no longer need the medication, as well as veterinary practices and larger organisations.
In 2023, we sent 854 parcels to 206 animal charities / NGOs in 66 countries.
A donation was recently sent to Kalymnos Cat Project, containing a number of cat cages, to help them take care of more feline patients.
‘Largest thank you to Worldwide Veterinary Service - WVS for their incredible donation of stronghold. Keeping the cats healthy is of paramount importance, and this amazing delivery will do just that.’ - Tiny Paws of Hope, Cyprus
‘Sandpaper Kisses look after over 500 feral cats - we feed, sterilize and give medical attention when required. Feral cats are often last on the list when it comes to animal welfare as they are seen as being self-sufficient but we know that this is not always the case and many feral cats live very hard lives, being hungry most of the time. Through the donations received from WVS, we are able to help our furry feline cats and save on costs through the donations. We are so grateful to be included in their programme.’ - Sandpaper Kisses, Gauteng, South Africa
A helping hand: discover how you can help cats worldwide
Become a member
As a member, you will be helping to send vets where they are needed most, provide training to increase the standard of care globally, and ship urgent aid supplies worldwide, every week of the year. Discover more about our individual membership.
Volunteer
We need volunteers all over the world, both veterinary trained and non-vets, to join us in making a difference for animals. We have many projects where you can help our feline friends - from Cambodia to Fiji – as well as opportunities to aid all different species. View all projects online.
Donate medication
Donate unexpired, unused, or leftover medications, and we'll get the life-saving supplies to veterinary teams helping homeless animals and pets living in rural and often poor communities. Learn more about donating medication.
Gift a donation in their name
£23 could provide flea and tick treatment for 5 cats in Greece, protecting them from parasites, skin conditions and potential diseases. Give someone special the perfect gift, by making a donation in their name to help animals in need. You will receive a beautiful A5 card to give to your recipient, showing them the difference that has been made in their name, plus a WVS pin badge. Find out more and support today.