An animal rescue has shared a heartbreaking update on a cat that went missing for 16 years.
Ruby, a 20-year-old ginger cat, was spotted in Clarence Park off Walmersley Road by a member of the public and taken to Armac vets on The Rock.
They discovered that she was chipped and managed to find her owners, who were “overjoyed” to learn that she was ok after being missing for such a long time.
Sadly, their personal circumstances had changed since Ruby vanished more than a decade and a half ago, meaning that they could no longer offer her a home.
Ruby was being looked after by volunteers at Kitty Rescue Bury when test results came back with tragic news.
They revealed that she has cancer in her liver, and that her kidneys and pancreas are “struggling.”
Sharing the sad news on social media on Monday (February 16), a spokesperson for the rescue shared that “vets have advised that the kindest thing for Ruby is euthanasia”.
They said: “We do not know what life she has had over the past 16 years, so we have asked if we can give her one week filled with warmth, comfort, treats, and love before saying goodbye.
“The vets have agreed, and we will book her euthanasia after that time. We do not want her to suffer, but we want her to know she is loved and have the best week.
“We are also allowing this week for anyone to come forward who may have cared for Ruby over the last 16 years, in case they would like the chance to say goodbye."
Kitty Rescue Bury acknowledged that “someone may have loved and cared” for Ruby during the time she had been missing.
It also urged followers to refrain from passing judgment as they “simply do not know the full story”.
The rescue added: “This is utterly tragic. We have many elderly cats in foster receiving palliative care.
“Some we are lucky enough to have for months with us, some years with us. To only have a week with Ruby is devastating, but we will make every moment count and do what is best for her.”
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