06:00, 12 May 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Gracie, a spirited white cat from Berkshire, is now thriving in her new home after surviving a serious brush with skin cancer – an inspiring tale that’s sparking greater awareness about pet sun safety just in time for summer.
The seven-year-old feline was rescued by Cats Protection Bracknell & Wokingham, where volunteers noticed worrying damage to her ears. Vets quickly diagnosed severe sunburn that had turned cancerous, prompting urgent surgery to remove both ear flaps as a precaution. Gracie made a full recovery thanks to swift intervention.
“She’s incredibly resilient,” said Nikki Butcher, branch co-ordinator at Cats Protection.
“Gracie has adapted brilliantly and even learned to move her head more to help locate sounds. It hasn’t stopped her from being curious and cheeky.”
Now fully healed and rehomed with a retired couple who dote on her, Gracie has found her happy ending.
“She’s got the run of the house, and while Beryl’s knitting and Tom’s newspapers may be under siege, they wouldn’t have it any other way,” Nikki added.
Gracie’s story is not just heartwarming, but it offers a timely precaution to other pet owners. As the weather warms up, Cats Protection is urging pet owners to take simple precautions to protect their cats from sun damage. Their sun safety guide recommends:
Though Gracie’s treatment was successful, it came with a cost. The charity has launched a fundraising appeal to help cover the £1,000 in veterinary bills. As a volunteer-run organisation with no government funding, Cats Protection relies entirely on donations.
“Every penny makes a difference,” said Nikki. “And with Gift Aid, UK taxpayers can make their donations go even further.”
Gracie’s journey offers a hopeful reminder of how compassion and quick action can change a life. Her story is already helping other cats stay safe in the sun, one pawstep at a time.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Cats Protection. The UK’s leading cat welfare charity, offering adoption, neutering, education, and support. Learn more here.
PDSA. This is a UK-based charity that provides free veterinary care to pets of people in need. It aims to prevent animal suffering by offering medical treatment and promoting responsible pet ownership. Support them here.
RSPCA. This leading UK charity is dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals through rescue, rehabilitation, and advocacy. Find out more here.
