A RESCUE cat called Hugo has become a hero after donating blood to save another cat during a medical emergency in Jersey.
After his important job was finished, he was treated to a big bowl of tuna and prawns.
Hugo’s owner, Lou Stewart, is a veterinary nurse.
She first met him when he was just four weeks old at an animal hospital in North London.
He was very ill and covered in glue, so she took him home to give him some extra care over the weekend.
Lou said: “I was supposed to give him back on Monday morning, and then Monday morning came, and I just couldn’t let him go. I asked if I could keep him, and they said yes.”
Now, nearly two years later, she could not imagine life without him – even if he is “a little monkey”.
Hugo was recently able to help another cat by giving blood.
Just like people, cats have different blood types.
This means vets must make sure the blood matches before giving a transfusion, which is when blood is given to a patient to replace blood they have lost.
Before Hugo donated, Ms Stewart spoke with the vet about the small risks involved.
Most cats are given light medicine to help them stay calm and relaxed during the procedure.
She said Hugo recovered well and happily tucked into his favourite reward afterwards.
Not every pet can become a blood donor. Cats must be between one and eight years old, healthy, weigh at least 4.5kg and be comfortable being handled by people.
Dogs can donate too, but they must meet different rules, including weighing more than 25kg.
New Era Vets says it is always looking for more donor pets.
Blood donated by local animals can help save the lives of cats and dogs that have been badly injured or become seriously ill.
Hugo’s story is a reminder that even the smallest heroes can make a big difference.
