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My Wife Adopted A Blind Cat That Was Rescued From The Streets Of Wrexham And This Is How Her Life Looks Now
My Wife Adopted A Blind Cat That Was Rescued From The Streets Of Wrexham And This Is How Her Life Looks Now
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My Wife Adopted A Blind Cat That Was Rescued From The Streets Of Wrexham And This Is How Her Life Looks Now

226

Three years ago, we lost our cat Edmund after he got hit by a car even though we live in a very quiet rural area. Shortly after, my wife Lisa met a cat at ‘Wrexham Cats Protection’ who was blind after being abused, and we decided to adopt her.

She had been abandoned on the streets of Wrexham until she was rescued, and her eyes were so badly damaged that they both had to be removed before she came to live with us. We named her Gertrude after a character in the TV show Blackadder, and for a long time she was very nervous after her former life.

More info: Instagram | turniptowers.co.uk

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    Meet Gertrude, a cat rescued by Wrexham Cats Protection and later adopted by my wife Lisa

    Gertrude’s eyes were so badly damaged that they both had to be removed before she came to live with us

    For the first year, we would spend as much time as possible with her in the bedroom, which she refused to leave

    We tried to keep things as quiet as possible for her so she wouldn’t be frightened by sudden noises and avoided moving things around

    She now moves around the house, but still occasionally bumps into things, especially when she is feeling stressed

    She likes to lie on us and rub her face against us as this seems to help her relax

    We try giving her toys to help prevent her from becoming bored, but she generally prefers different kind of activities

    Gertrude loves to go outdoors and we take her out on a harness so she can explore

    Sometimes during her walks she meets other cats, like her friend Melchett

    Surprisingly, she seems to enjoy it most when there is lots of noise such as next door’s dog barking and people using power tools nearby

    Gertrude loves listening to all the sounds in the garden and hunting some bugs

    We try to let her know she is safe now by giving her fuss when she wants it, but it is a long, slow process to help her feel relaxed

    The only advice I can offer anyone with a cat with similar problems is to have plenty of patience

    Gertrude can be very demanding but is very affectionate in return, which is surprising, considering how she has been treated by humans in the past

    She is now living the best life we can give her, and hopefully she is happy with us


    Adopting Gertrude highlighted an aspect of our perception that most people instinctively recognize. While she cannot see with her eyes, Gertrude’s ability to adapt to her surroundings might be similar to the way we perceive non-existent faces in inanimate objects.

    This phenomenon, known as seeing patterns in everyday items, reveals just how adept we are at recognizing meaningful shapes even when they aren’t there, a trait that Gertrude exhibits through enhanced auditory senses.


     

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    Turnip Towers

    Turnip Towers

    Author, Community member

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    I am a freelance pet and action sports photographer, based in Mid Wales near the border with England. I am available to photograph pets in Wales, North-West England and the West Midlands.

    Read less »
    Turnip Towers

    Turnip Towers

    Author, Community member

    I am a freelance pet and action sports photographer, based in Mid Wales near the border with England. I am available to photograph pets in Wales, North-West England and the West Midlands.

    Gabriela Zagorska

    Gabriela Zagorska

    Moderator, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    My name is Gabriela, and I’m a Community Manager at Bored Panda. In real life, it means that every day, together with my team, I ensure that all the posts submitted by our creative pandas display their work in the best possible way. I'm always on the lookout for new artists who would like to join our community and share their content with a wide audience. In addition to that, I keep my finger on the community pulse and supervise its activity, ensuring that any problems our members experience on our website are promptly resolved.Before joining the Bored Panda team, I worked as a freelancer, offering my creative services to people around the world—starting with graphic design, photography, and finally videos. Now, I pursue these activities only as a hobby, capturing moments with my cats and documenting new places I visit during my travels.

    Read less »

    Gabriela Zagorska

    Gabriela Zagorska

    Moderator, BoredPanda staff

    My name is Gabriela, and I’m a Community Manager at Bored Panda. In real life, it means that every day, together with my team, I ensure that all the posts submitted by our creative pandas display their work in the best possible way. I'm always on the lookout for new artists who would like to join our community and share their content with a wide audience. In addition to that, I keep my finger on the community pulse and supervise its activity, ensuring that any problems our members experience on our website are promptly resolved.Before joining the Bored Panda team, I worked as a freelancer, offering my creative services to people around the world—starting with graphic design, photography, and finally videos. Now, I pursue these activities only as a hobby, capturing moments with my cats and documenting new places I visit during my travels.

    What do you think ?
    Pandasizing World Peace
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you for sharing these sweet pictures. Happy to see Gertrude living her best life!

    Waysuepet
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Gertrude is gorgeous. Sometimes I really hate humans. Why some people find pleasure in harming animals is beyond me. The perpetrators should be abused in the same manner if they're caught.

    Kathryn Baylis
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’ll hold them down for you, but only if you give me 5 minutes with them first. Oh, and a Louisville Slugger. I’m not a violent person by nature, btw. But when pieces of s**t that dare call themselves human do rotten things to the smaller and weaker, whether they’re an animal or a human, it just makes me see red.

    Load More Replies...
    Sue Ellen Jensen
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There is no doubt in my mind Gertrude is happy. Even without her eyes she exudes happiness. Thank you for taking such good care of her!

    Sally Close
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a beautiful story. Gertrude is lucky to have found you both

    Shakira Wheelden
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    such a sweet hearted kitty, i hope she happy and good health

    Waysuepet
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I also like how she uses her collar and lead. Every time I've tried this, my cats turn into bricks.

    Cthulhu is Alive
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I really want to hurt those that caused this cat's abuse, but I am also very happy that you are taking care of her ❤️

    Greenmantle
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She is... and she's telling you every day.

    LILLIAN BREAUX
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm so happy for her if i see someone hurting one of my cats....boo DON'T MESS WITH ME AFTER THAT

    Heather Lambie
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She looks incredibly happy and you two are incredibly awesome for making her so!❤️

    DuchessDegu
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You are angels, thank you for adopting Gertrude and show her what real love is! To those that abused her, I hope your eyes fall out while you sleep and a colony of wasps move in into the empty sockets.

    Cat Chat
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It takes very special people to adopt and care for animals with disabilities and/or trauma from past abuse. It's wonderful you were able to step up to the challenge. While I don't doubt the face rubbing with you guys helps to relax her, I just wanted to let you know cats also do that to let others know they are accepted as a person of trust, and to express their love (I don't believe anyone who says animals don't feel live like humans do). Same thing when cats put their behinds (their most vulnerable spot) in our faces! 🐱❤️

    𝓠𝓾𝓪𝓬𝓴
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I need glasses, I read the top picture as I adopted my wife lisa 💀

    Augie Chapin
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i would still want to pet her😻

    Wilson.
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This made my heart happy. Heres to many years more of happiness with Gertrude! And many years of misery to every kn*b who mistreats animals... *furious scowling and fist balling*

    Alessa Gillespie
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a treasure! I will never understand what needs to break inside someone to abuse an animal. May they burn in hell!

    Raine Soo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you for sharing Gertrude's story. She is a lovely little lady. I commend you for providing her with such a wonderful home. She is definitely living better than me! LOL Bless you all.

    J R
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She's beautiful! Thank you for helping Gertrude live safely and comfortably-- you two are wonderful!!

    Michael Fuhry
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm a professional truck driver, tractor/bulk tanker combination, and this is about one of the best ways I can think of to start my work day.

    LokisLilButterknife
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you for giving sweet Gertrude such a happy and loving life.

    weatherwitch
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Awww absolutely wonderful. You sound incredibly loving and patient 😊 I also have Blackadder cats, Miggins with me still and passed on Edmund and Baldrick 🤣

    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We have had Turnip, Baldrick, Percy, Crazy Meg, Mrs Miggins, Bubbles, Bob, Mildred, Melchett, Edmund and Gertrude :)

    Load More Replies...
    cutecats
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ok but wth kinda name is G e r t r u d e

    Lady Miss Pie
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you for posting this. It’s absolutely beautiful.

    Butterfly_Cavewoman
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you for sharing Gertrude's story. What an absolutely gorgeous kitty. Thank you for taking her in and giving her a better life. Hugs to you and your wife.

    Junebugjump!
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Awwwwww! Pretty kitty. My cats love the catnip banana, too!

    Ace
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We had a nearly-blind rescue cat for many years. Bartholomew, born with cat flu and the third eyelid fused 1/2 way over the eye, plus the rest of it quite cloudy. Not totally blind like this lovely lady, but enough to bump into things and fall into the swimming pool (only once, thankfully). Anyway, I was always a fan of CPL (as was then) when I lived in the UK, so more power to them! https://www.cats.org.uk/

    Janice Lee Boyer
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Those who Abuse Anyone, Any Animal or Anything Are NOT PEOPLE or HUMANS I’m NOT Sure What they Are??? They truly Need Help…. We Need stricter Laws and Punishments… They are Sad, Lonely, Abused, Insecured (we need to give them a name). NO NAME)..Like game of Thrones.. Perfect… The name You gave ‘Gertrude’ is PURFECT.. … Pray to St. Gertrude…Saint for Animals.. Thank ‘GOD’ there are ‘True Humans’ out there Who want to Live in A BEAUTIFUL, LOVING PLACE….SO THANK YOU!!!!!!!!😇

    Load More Replies...
    Daniel Joseph Osborne
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is people like you that restore my faith in humanity

    Pandasizing World Peace
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you for sharing these sweet pictures. Happy to see Gertrude living her best life!

    Waysuepet
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Gertrude is gorgeous. Sometimes I really hate humans. Why some people find pleasure in harming animals is beyond me. The perpetrators should be abused in the same manner if they're caught.

    Kathryn Baylis
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’ll hold them down for you, but only if you give me 5 minutes with them first. Oh, and a Louisville Slugger. I’m not a violent person by nature, btw. But when pieces of s**t that dare call themselves human do rotten things to the smaller and weaker, whether they’re an animal or a human, it just makes me see red.

    Load More Replies...
    Sue Ellen Jensen
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There is no doubt in my mind Gertrude is happy. Even without her eyes she exudes happiness. Thank you for taking such good care of her!

    Sally Close
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a beautiful story. Gertrude is lucky to have found you both

    Shakira Wheelden
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    such a sweet hearted kitty, i hope she happy and good health

    Waysuepet
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I also like how she uses her collar and lead. Every time I've tried this, my cats turn into bricks.

    Cthulhu is Alive
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I really want to hurt those that caused this cat's abuse, but I am also very happy that you are taking care of her ❤️

    Greenmantle
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She is... and she's telling you every day.

    LILLIAN BREAUX
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm so happy for her if i see someone hurting one of my cats....boo DON'T MESS WITH ME AFTER THAT

    Heather Lambie
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She looks incredibly happy and you two are incredibly awesome for making her so!❤️

    DuchessDegu
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You are angels, thank you for adopting Gertrude and show her what real love is! To those that abused her, I hope your eyes fall out while you sleep and a colony of wasps move in into the empty sockets.

    Cat Chat
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It takes very special people to adopt and care for animals with disabilities and/or trauma from past abuse. It's wonderful you were able to step up to the challenge. While I don't doubt the face rubbing with you guys helps to relax her, I just wanted to let you know cats also do that to let others know they are accepted as a person of trust, and to express their love (I don't believe anyone who says animals don't feel live like humans do). Same thing when cats put their behinds (their most vulnerable spot) in our faces! 🐱❤️

    𝓠𝓾𝓪𝓬𝓴
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I need glasses, I read the top picture as I adopted my wife lisa 💀

    Augie Chapin
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i would still want to pet her😻

    Wilson.
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This made my heart happy. Heres to many years more of happiness with Gertrude! And many years of misery to every kn*b who mistreats animals... *furious scowling and fist balling*

    Alessa Gillespie
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a treasure! I will never understand what needs to break inside someone to abuse an animal. May they burn in hell!

    Raine Soo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you for sharing Gertrude's story. She is a lovely little lady. I commend you for providing her with such a wonderful home. She is definitely living better than me! LOL Bless you all.

    J R
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She's beautiful! Thank you for helping Gertrude live safely and comfortably-- you two are wonderful!!

    Michael Fuhry
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm a professional truck driver, tractor/bulk tanker combination, and this is about one of the best ways I can think of to start my work day.

    LokisLilButterknife
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you for giving sweet Gertrude such a happy and loving life.

    weatherwitch
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Awww absolutely wonderful. You sound incredibly loving and patient 😊 I also have Blackadder cats, Miggins with me still and passed on Edmund and Baldrick 🤣

    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We have had Turnip, Baldrick, Percy, Crazy Meg, Mrs Miggins, Bubbles, Bob, Mildred, Melchett, Edmund and Gertrude :)

    Load More Replies...
    cutecats
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ok but wth kinda name is G e r t r u d e

    Lady Miss Pie
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you for posting this. It’s absolutely beautiful.

    Butterfly_Cavewoman
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you for sharing Gertrude's story. What an absolutely gorgeous kitty. Thank you for taking her in and giving her a better life. Hugs to you and your wife.

    Junebugjump!
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Awwwwww! Pretty kitty. My cats love the catnip banana, too!

    Ace
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We had a nearly-blind rescue cat for many years. Bartholomew, born with cat flu and the third eyelid fused 1/2 way over the eye, plus the rest of it quite cloudy. Not totally blind like this lovely lady, but enough to bump into things and fall into the swimming pool (only once, thankfully). Anyway, I was always a fan of CPL (as was then) when I lived in the UK, so more power to them! https://www.cats.org.uk/

    Janice Lee Boyer
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Those who Abuse Anyone, Any Animal or Anything Are NOT PEOPLE or HUMANS I’m NOT Sure What they Are??? They truly Need Help…. We Need stricter Laws and Punishments… They are Sad, Lonely, Abused, Insecured (we need to give them a name). NO NAME)..Like game of Thrones.. Perfect… The name You gave ‘Gertrude’ is PURFECT.. … Pray to St. Gertrude…Saint for Animals.. Thank ‘GOD’ there are ‘True Humans’ out there Who want to Live in A BEAUTIFUL, LOVING PLACE….SO THANK YOU!!!!!!!!😇

    Load More Replies...
    Daniel Joseph Osborne
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is people like you that restore my faith in humanity

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