It pulls at your heartstrings when you see an animal on the side of the road. It’s even worse when you see they are in need of help after surviving an accident. And it happens all over the world. One kitty in Dubai was left on the side of a road, abandoned and paralyzed after being hit by a car. But one woman saw the cat in need of help and decided to do something about it.
Life of a Cat in Dubai
Katie Lloyd with Manisha the cat. Images via Facebook/Bradford Cat Watch Rescue & Sanctuary
The culture in Dubai, in the country of the United Arab Emirates, is much different than many of us know. According to Katie Lloyd, founder of Bradford Cat Watch Rescue, rescue centers in Dubai were not even allowed!
“There are no rescue centers and it’s illegal to rescue or even feed a stray or injured cat,” Lloyd told Telegraph & Argus. “People have to do it secretly. And rescuers in the United Arab Emirates rely on volunteers in the UK and Europe to raise money to help pay for vet bills.”
However, there are local animal shelters in Dubai where a stray can be taken for help. And that is where this lucky cats, later named Manish, story begins.
Manisha goes from Dubai to the UK
It is believed Manisha was injured in a car accident, and the driver did not stop to help. A woman saw the kitty and immediately contacted a rescue she follows on Facebook. However, the rescue was located in the UK.
Katie Lloyd runs the Bradford Cat Watch Rescue, located of course in Bradford in the UK, founded 16 years ago. The charity rescue takes in cats from all situations and provides medical care and re-homing. Based in Katie’s home, the center relies on donations and volunteers.
“Some ladies who follow us on Facebook got in touch and my first thought was we have enough cats here to look after,” said Katie. “I’m generally of the opinion that there are already plenty of cats in the UK that need rescuing, but when I heard Manisha’s story, and how stray cats are treated over there, we made the huge decision to have her brought over.”
And Bradford is a long way from Dubai; a 30-hour plane ride! Manisha flew from Abu Dhabi airport to Heathrow, then traveled 5 more hours to the rescue center.
Sandy Paws, a rescue and member of the International Pet and Animal Transfer Network, aided in helping Manisha fly across Europe. Grateful to help, the Bradford Cat Watch Rescue funded the flight.
When Manisha arrived at the center, she seemed like she was always meant to be there.
Manisha’s Paralyzed Legs and Her Long Road to Recovery
Manisha needed a lot of care to help her recover from her injuries, and still has a long way to go. When she arrived at the rescue, Katie found that Manisha’s lower pelvis was misaligned and her lower spine was shattered. Sadly, Manisha was paralyzed in her hind quarters.
“Manisha was hit by a car and left for dead,” said Katie. “She wears a body suit so she doesn’t get sore, as she only gets around by shuffling on her torso. [Manisha] wears kitty nappies and we have to help her go to the toilet. She can use her front legs, she moves quite quickly. She’s a lovely cat. When I saw her little face, and soulful eyes, I knew we had to take her.”
Surgery and Her Future
Manisha has a surgery plan but before she can do so, she has to build up her strength with physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and daily sessions on her mobility scooter. The scooter allows her to walk around outside, and indoors too.
Katie commented, “We plan to support Manisha in her mobility scooter every day to help her build up stamina and strength for whatever lies ahead in her future.”
Manisha has increased her stamina from only two minutes with the scooter to twenty minutes now!
“Manisha loves whizzing around the garden, exploring and through this we are able to provide much enrichment.”
Unfortunately, the scooter is not a long-term care solution to Manisha’s paralyzed condition. She’ll also need intensive care for the rest of her life. She will also have to have one leg, which is as stiff and straight as a pencil, amputated. After surgery and continuing to build up her stamina, Manisha will live a long life loved by her new forever home.
Today, Manisha and her friends are living their best lives, enjoying the outdoors in the Bradford Cat Watch Rescue and Sanctuary.
“Now it’s cooled down and safe to play out the kitties at Bradford Cat Watch Rescue and Sanctuary have been allowed to play out again.”
If you would like to make a donation to Manisha’s care, the simplest way is the PayPal link provided here with all information.
Below, Manisha appears in a video with Katie Lloyd for the BBC. Video by Ian White:
