A family has been left devastated after their cat was put to sleep just hours after she went missing. Nineteen-year-old Gizzy had been with Gareth Knowler and his family in East Malling, Kent, since she was a kitten.
The 41-year-old said the tortoiseshell cat disappeared from the garden at about 1.30pm and was taken to the RSPCA centre in Leybourne by a neighbour. The woman, who asked not to be named, was told Gizzy would be held for seven days while attempts were made to contact the owner. Wanting to make sure this would definitely happen, she checked again later and was given the same assurance.
Gizzy was transferred to Meopham Veterinary Hospital, where notes recorded she was emaciated, open-mouth breathing and had 'likely been a stray for some time'. The RSPCA said attempts were made to contact the registered owners before Gizzy was euthanised, but the family was unable to respond in time.
A spokesperson said: “This is a very sad case and we really feel for Gizzy’s owners. However, at nearly 19 years old and clearly in pain and discomfort, the decision to euthanise Gizzy on welfare grounds was made by an independent vet who decided this was the kindest thing to do to prevent any further suffering.”
Gareth’s wife Lucy was only able to call the vet shortly after 5pm to arrange collection and was stunned to learn Gizzy had been put down. He said: “She was on the phone hoping to say, 'can we come and get her'. And then they turn around and say they killed her, put her down on welfare grounds. “She was just here. I'd just seen her. My cat was home at lunchtime. By teatime she was dead.”
The family dispute the veterinary assessment and say Gizzy’s frail condition was due to old age and recent illness. Gareth added: “My cat was definitely beautiful. Definitely well looked after.”
The couple believe stress during transport, first to the RSPCA and later to Meopham may have affected Gizzy’s breathing. They say photographs taken the day before show the cat comfortable at home.
Gizzy had lived with the family since she was a kitten and was born on Gareth and Lucy’s son's second birthday. Her death has deeply affected the household, including the couple’s two adult children, Joycie, 25, and Daniel, 21. Gareth said Joycie had to see a doctor the day after Gizzy died because of the upset.
He said: “My cat was microchipped. I thought the microchip was there to save cats from being put down. People out there need to know that microchips don't mean anything. They didn't even ask about a medical history or anything like that. Nothing was done.”
When Gareth later called Meopham Veterinary Hospital, he said he shouted at staff. He admitted he should not have reacted that way and said he later contacted the practice again to apologise. Gizzy has since been cremated and her ashes returned to the family.
