30th January 2008: Socs' Appeal is launched

Socrates is a 5 year old, tabby mitted, Ragdoll cat and he is currently in the care of the UKRCC, with a foster family. As is the case with all Ragdolls that are in our care, Socs was taken for a health check. He was started on his course of vaccinations and then given a full feline MOT. We were aware that Socs had been on steroids in the past, but contact with his previous vet has revealed that Socs was diagnosed with asthma back in 2006. His breathing is a concern and following his health check, Socs is to be prescribed steroids and will also need an inhaler.

Sadly, Soc’s health check also revealed a more sinister problem. The vet found that he has an eye shake and she believes this is likely to be caused by a neurological disorder. The vet advised that there are many treatments to help continue Soc’s quality of life, but that diagnosis and treatment are expensive and likely to deplete our charitable funds substantially. She suggested that given this information we may not wish to proceed with any further investigation and may need to consider having him put to sleep. The UKRCC has a strict non destruction policy for any Ragdoll, except in cases where they are suffering and veterinary intervention cannot improve the situation. Socs is still young, at just 5 years old and he is a friendly, happy Ragdoll, who has a good quality of life. Although he does not seem to be in any pain or suffering any other symptoms at this time, we feel that in order to do our best for Socs and his future, that we need to proceed with the diagnostic procedures in order to establish a cause, a prognosis and hopefully a treatment, so that we can ensure he has a good quality of life for as long as possible.

Socs will need blood tests and a head scan in the first instance, to establish the cause of the neurological problem and we will then be guided by the vet, as to what course of action to take. Socs, his welfare and happiness will remain our focus and we shall fund all his treatment. Kelly and Steve will be caring for Socs for as long as needed and if necessary, for the rest of his life, with the financial, practical and emotional support of the UKRCC.

We are all shocked and saddened by the news of Soc’s condition, but we are hopeful we can give him a happy life and we shall make sure he receives the very best of love and care.

The UKRCC is a registered charity and all our work is funded by donations. In order to be able to support Socs and fund his diagnosis and treatment, while still remaining viable as a charity for the other Ragdolls, we are going to need raise funds to help cover his vet expenses.

So today the UKRCC are launching Soc’s Appeal.

If you feel you would like to help us in providing the care and veterinary treatment that Socs so desperately needs, then please make a donation. Every penny given will be used to fund his veterinary treatment and maintain an excellent quality of life for him, so he can have as many years of Raggie love and fun as possible.

Thank you for your support