Whiskey, a one-year-old beloved domestic short-hair cat from Hatfield, has defied the odds and survived a house fire. She was dramatically rescued by the local fire and paramedic services and taken to the Royal Veterinary College’s (RVC) Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, whilst her owner was being admitted to hospital. Whiskey is now safe and well, and reunited with her owner, Ellie, after both making a full recovery. 

Paramedics realised Whiskey needed urgent veterinary care as she was suffering from signs of severe smoke inhalation and hypoxic shock. Symptoms included rapid breathing, poor responsiveness, elevated heart rate, hypotension and hypothermia. This left her with neurological difficulties too, including being unable to walk or use the litter tray, partial blindness and experiencing full body tremors.

The out-of-hours hospital emergency team at the RVC took immediate action, conducting an ultrasound on Whiskey’s lungs and placing her in an oxygen kennel to ensure she received oxygen into her system as quickly as possible. Whiskey was then carefully monitored by the team who provided the care and the medication she needed to recover.

This rapid response saw Whiskey slowly stabilise to normal body temperature, heart rate, breathing and bodily functions, as well as regain her movement and eyesight.

Whiskey was at RVC’s specialist hospital for six days. She made an excellent recovery before being reunited with Ellie. Whiskey then returned for her final check-up at the hospital a few days later.

Whiskey is now back to her usual self, purring away and seeking lots of cuddles and strokes.

Ellie Mouratsing, Whiskey’s owner, said: “The care was brilliant, and I could see the RVC emergency team really cared about Whiskey. I am very grateful for their amazing work in helping her recover.”

Dr Karen Humm, Co-Head of the Emergency and Critical Department and Director of the Transfusion Medicine Service at the RVC’s Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, said: “Whiskey certainly has used up one of her nine lives! Her treatment was a huge team effort – involving amazing vets, vet nurses and students. Cases like hers can be very challenging and so access to specialist knowledge and excellent nursing care really makes a big difference – significantly increasing chances of survival. We’re delighted that Whiskey and her owner, Ellie have made a good recovery.”