Fundraiser launched for abandoned South Shields cat in need of vital surgery

An adorable cat's young life could be cut short unless cash is found to give her a vital knee operation.
By Georgina Cutler
Published 26th Jul 2020, 13:06 BST
Updated 26th Jul 2020, 13:07 BST
Tabby cat Sweet Bee has been diagnosed with a painful condition called patellar luxation which means her joints pop out of their sockets when she moves around.Tabby cat Sweet Bee has been diagnosed with a painful condition called patellar luxation which means her joints pop out of their sockets when she moves around.
Tabby cat Sweet Bee has been diagnosed with a painful condition called patellar luxation which means her joints pop out of their sockets when she moves around.

The tabby, named Sweet Bee, has been diagnosed with a painful condition called patellar luxation which means her joints pop out of their sockets when she moves around.

The cat, who is in foster care, faces being put down unless she is able to undergo the surgery she desperately needs to get better.

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Sweet Bee was a resident at the Willows Cat Shelter in South Shields and is now being fostered by Elise Wiegmann and family.

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Tabby cat Sweet Bee has been diagnosed with a painful condition called patellar luxation which means her joints pop out of their sockets when she moves around.Tabby cat Sweet Bee has been diagnosed with a painful condition called patellar luxation which means her joints pop out of their sockets when she moves around.
Tabby cat Sweet Bee has been diagnosed with a painful condition called patellar luxation which means her joints pop out of their sockets when she moves around.

Timid and quiet, Sweet Bee was taken in by the cat shelter after she was found abandoned.

The young feline was born with the condition in two knees which is uncommon, as old age is usually the cause of the painful disorder.

Elise, 48, said: "We got her just before lockdown and noticed early on that she wasn't walking quite right.

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"We rang the cat shelter and they thought it was because she had been in a cage and her joints were just stiff.

Tabby cat Sweet Bee has been diagnosed with a painful condition called patellar luxation which means her joints pop out of their sockets when she moves around.Tabby cat Sweet Bee has been diagnosed with a painful condition called patellar luxation which means her joints pop out of their sockets when she moves around.
Tabby cat Sweet Bee has been diagnosed with a painful condition called patellar luxation which means her joints pop out of their sockets when she moves around.

"After lockdown eased we took her to the vets, where they told us she needs two knee replacements

"She was born with the condition."

The disability means Sweet Bee can't walk properly and suffers in pain when her knee pops out of her joint.

Elise continues: "Now, the only options are to leave her in pain, have her put down or try to raise the £1,000 to get her an operation to fix her legs so she can walk properly and be pain free.

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"My children had been saying for ages that they wanted a little cat and now we are just worried because she will go out and have a good run around and then next thing you know, she'll be limping.

"It's awful to see her in such terrible pain, so we just really want to get it fixed as soon as possible."

Sweet Bee is estimated to be between 18 months and two years old and has struggled with the condition her whole life.

The surgery, which involves shaving the bone so the knee doesn't slip out of place, would allow Sweet Bee to finally walk and play without difficulty.

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Elise added: "The worst bit is that she's lived with this discomfort for years and it's only just been found.

"She needs help, we just want her to be healthy and well."Willows Cat Shelter are appealing for donations so Sweet Bee can undergo the vital surgery: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/willows-cats-sweetbee

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