Chester was left broken and barely able to stand

Chester was just a kitten when we rescued him with injuries to his face and body. Your kindness saved him from a life of fear and pain. But so many animals are still living with abuse. Will you help us reach them?

Donate now

A person in blue vet scrubs gently supports a nervous black and white cat on an examination table.

Content warning

There may be distressing images of animal cruelty and neglect in this story.

part 1

Chester’s story had a sad start

Sweet Chester loves nothing better than snuggling up for long naps with his loving owner. But he’s come such a long way.

We first heard about Chester when a concerned witness called us about a three-month-old kitten who was severely weak and struggling to stand. Chester had distressing eye injuries and a swollen face.

His owner brought him in when she found him hurt and cowering, with injuries that didn’t make sense. Chester had pain on his side and possible brain damage – the vet thought he could die that night.

We care for animals when no one else can to save cats like Chester – and it’s all thanks to donations from people like you. Together, we can turn this season of cruelty into one of love and kindness.

A black and white cat rests on a grey fleece blanket inside a white pet carrier.

It's heartbreaking to know what went on inside that home. No animal should ever be deliberately harmed.

RSPCA Inspector Miranda Albinson

part 2

From suffering to safety

We took care of Chester’s painful injuries, and gave him medication so he could rest and begin to heal.

Later we moved him to one of our branches, where our expert staff helped Chester heal. He quickly won the hearts of animal carers and volunteers with his love of cuddles and fuss. The stronger he got, the more playful and friendly he became.

Every 10 minutes we receive a report of deliberate animal cruelty* but we have to believe that kindness will always win in the end. Donate today and turn your love for animals into a life-saving rescue.

A vet gently holds a nervous black and white cat with flattened ears and wide eyes.

Before

Chester arrived in our care with facial injuries from evident cruelty. He was so quiet and still, our staff initially feared he had been sedated.

A black and white cat stretches out comfortably on a grey carpet in a patch of bright sunlight.

After

After months of care, Chester has made a great recovery. He loves playing with his best friends, Toast and Bean.

part 3

Chester’s new life is full of cuddles

Chester went from cowering in fear to a friendly, purring kitten who wins everyone over. But he’s not the only one who needs our help. Last summer we received 69 reports of deliberate cruelty every single day.*

Now, he’s happy, healthy and reunited with his original owner, herself and Chester had been the victims of abuse. “Having the RSPCA take Chester away was my wake-up call to leave too,” she says. “I have a new life and so do my beloved cats.”

With the support of donors like you, we can save more animals like Chester – and reunite them with the owners who love them. Together, we can turn this season of cruelty into a summer of love for the animals who need it the most.

The RSPCA's Wilberforce database. *Based on deliberate cruelty incidents reported to the RSPCA, between Jun 2025 and Aug 2025

A black and white cat with bright green eyes looks attentively upwards.

Give more than money

Together, we can make a huge difference to improve the lives of animals.

Several young school children crouch on the grass to fill a small container with plant clippings.

Seven kind acts

Check out our list of seven acts you can do to make this a kinder summer for every animal.

Find a pet

Is there room on your sofa for one of our rescued animals? Find your perfect match from hamsters to horses.

A wet, curly-haired dog shakes water off their coat while standing in shallow water at the beach.

Help pets in hot weather

Our animal friends feel the heat just as much as we do. Here’s how you can help them stay cool this summer.

See the difference your donation makes

Every animal we rehome is a win for kindness over cruelty. Meet these animals who have started their new lives thanks to donations from supporters like you.