Written by Vanessa Courtenay, Media Relations: Harties Feral Cat Rescue
“The fire inside you burned brighter than the fire around you.”
In April 2020, a member of the public contacted volunteer Joanne to remove an injured cat from her home; she further mentioned that she’d opened all windows and hoped the cat would just leave, as “it stinks”. When Joanne reached the cat, she was shocked to her core.
Veldt fire victim
Here was a severely burnt kitty in the most agonising pain. She was immediately rushed to the vet, her injuries so serious that her sight was in question, and it was touch and go whether she’d retain her hind leg. She had no footpads, no whiskers. The cat was the victim of a devastating veldt fire.
Joanne named her “Sabina”, warrior princess, after the late and beloved Sabina Essa, our friend and honorary HFCR member.
Warrior fighting for her life
Sabina was taken in by foster mom Dané Basson, herself a burn survivor, who spent two months caring for her, administering oral medication and changing dressings every few hours.
Dané recounts crying whilst changing Sabina’s dressings, as she’d experienced the excruciating pain herself. Hours of home physio, willing the little white-and-grey cat to eat, and getting her to use her sandbox. The numerous trips to the vet, the anxiety of waiting to hear whether she’d lose her sight and whether her hind leg would heal.
But Sabina purred through the pain and fought just as hard to heal. And heal she did.
A home for Sabina
Whilst we kept our followers updated on Sabina Cat’s progress, Camilla Logie, a friend of Sabina Essa, stepped forward and offered to adopt Sabina.
Camilla reports how nervous she was on her first night with Sabina, but she noticed her resilience straight away and, most importantly, how loving she was. She says her new feline brothers and sisters were a little unsure at first, but the next morning kisses were already being passed around.
Her safe place used to be her carrier, but now she explores all over her new home.
Camilla Logie, Sabina’s new owner, shares…
Sabina’s wounds have all healed, and, thankfully, she’s retained her sight. She’s now coming for head-rubs and tickles.
The very best feeling was when I found Sabina lounging on my bed!
Offering a home to a special-needs furry that’s gone through such an ordeal is a huge honour. And knowing that Sabina Cat can now live out her life in a kind, happy and loving home makes me happy.
