Cliff came to SHUA in May 2006. He had been found straying in a garden in Penarth in the February. The family living there had provided him with food and shelter but we unable to offer him a full-time home. Cliff already had his cauliflower ear when he came to SHUA - an old battle scar from his days living on the streets.
Poor Cliff had a very tough time settling in at SHUA, mainly because he hated other cats. We'll never forget all of the times the Cliff and Fergus - another elderly resident at SHUA - squared up to each other. It was pretty hysterical watching these 2 former street-fighting toms, now in their golden years, a bit deaf and arthritic, pretending to talk the talk. It made them feel manly! Bless them.
Cliff also seemed a bit unpredictable with people at first, enjoying a cwtch but then telling you off for no good reason. He just didn't like being in a pen. As soon as we conferred resident status on him and gave him the run of the utility block and the grounds, his temper all but disappeared. He had been misunderstoood when he first came to SHUA but with a lot of love and patience, we found a very caring and loving boy underneath. I (SHUA Webmaster, aka Sally) have very fond memories of when this picture of Cliff was taken. He had insisted on helping me with painting the decking, following me around all afternoon. He was a total darling.
Sadly, Cliff was diagnosed with throat cancer shortly after arriving at SHUA. Thankfully it wasn't very advanced at that time and Cliff had nearly a whole year with us before the cancer became aggressive. When the time was right, we showed Cliff that one final act of kindness. Cliff was euthanased in March 2007. Although he wasn't with us for very long, he died having made many dear friends and will always have a special place in our hearts.
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