A sick British Shorthair,wet and leaf-covered, crawled in agony from bushes to the sidewalk for help

One rainy afternoon, while picking up a delivery, I stumbled upon a heartbreaking sight—a cat, soaked and covered in leaves, lying helplessly by the roadside. It seemed he had fallen ill and rolled from under a tree to the street. His wet fur and uncomfortable posture tugged at my heart. Although I was in a rush and didn’t have any tools to help, I couldn’t just leave him there. Turning to social media, I reached out to friends for advice and support.

Determined to help, I found a nearby box to safely transport him to the vet. As I picked him up, I couldn’t help but notice his beautiful eyes. How could someone abandon such a lovely creature? Though he was visibly in pain, he remained silent during the ride, as if he knew I was there to save him. Despite the stormy weather and his pitiful state, this brave kitty stole my heart.

At the veterinary hospital, the first thing we did was dry him off and handle him with utmost care. Blood samples were taken for testing, and while awaiting the results at home, I fed him some jerky. Starving from his ordeal, he ate voraciously, regaining a bit of strength. Watching him eat so eagerly gave me hope. He needed to recover enough to stand, and I promised myself I would do everything I could to help him heal.

The next day, the test results arrived. They revealed inflammation and maggots on his body. The vet performed a surgical procedure under anesthesia to remove the maggots and treat the wounds. It was a delicate process, and seeing him so vulnerable made me even more determined to ensure his recovery. By the third day, he had woken up from surgery, and I decided to name him “Big Head” because of his adorably round face. To reward his bravery, I gave him some snacks, which he ate with gusto, even managing to stand for brief moments.

Over the next few days, Big Head showed remarkable improvement. By the fourth day, his appetite had returned in full force. He was eating heartily and slowly building his strength. Although he could only stand for short periods, his determination was evident. Preparations for deworming began, and by the fifth day, he was much more energetic. The vet confirmed that in two days, he would be ready to go home. The thought of giving him a safe and loving space filled me with joy.

On the seventh day, Big Head finally came home. He quickly adapted, displaying a playful and curious personality, like a child discovering the world for the first time. Though he was still walking unsteadily on the eighth day, by the ninth, his movements were visibly better. This mischievous little guy even tried to wear a pearl necklace, adding a touch of humor to his journey. Over the next few days, his appetite remained strong, and he continued to gain strength, eating neatly and enjoying dried fish as a treat.

By the fifteenth day, Big Head had made a full recovery. He was healthy, playful, and affectionate, often curling up in my arms. Watching him transform from a frail, abandoned cat into a vibrant, happy companion was deeply rewarding. His journey reminded me of the importance of compassion and care for stray animals. I hope all stray cats in the world receive the love and treatment they deserve.