Princess, a rescue cat who was partially blind, won the hearts of many after surviving two brain surgeries worth approximately $25,000. She lived like royalty at Timaru’s Family Vet Clinic and captured everyone’s attention with her big personality. However, on Tuesday, the clinic staff made the difficult decision to say goodbye to the much-loved tabby and white kitty.
According to a statement released by the vets at the clinic, Princess had a significant impact on the lives of everyone she met in her four short years. Despite being small, she had a mighty presence and quickly became the center of attention for both staff and customers alike, which brought comfort to those anxious about their pets’ health.
Princess’s condition taught the clinic owner and veterinarian, Marnie Crilly, about brain conditions in cats and what could be done to treat them. The cat was around six months old when a member of the public found her and took her to the Timaru Family Vet Clinic.
After only a few months of being diagnosed as partially blind, Princess began having seizures, and a scan at Timaru Hospital revealed a cyst in the back of her skull. An outpouring of community support prompted a fundraiser that raised approximately $15,000 for the surgery to remove the cyst in Auckland.
Despite the first surgery, Princess required another surgery in Christchurch, costing roughly $10,000. The vet clinic expressed gratitude to those who supported Princess financially and emotionally by donating towards her surgeries. They also thanked Richard, Alistair, and their teams at Veterinary Specialists Aotearoa (VSA) in Auckland and Christchurch for their assistance and expertise in caring for Princess.
Princess lived full-time at the surgery, along with her two sisters. Her calm nature assisted many patients in waking up from their operations and provided comfort to those worried about their furry friends. People would often ask about her well-being, and she even attended the South Canterbury Relay for Life in March, where people paid to have cuddles with her. Princess may have left us, but she will never be forgotten.
