Ruby became a street cat by choice. He had a good home with Eleni who lives at the top of Skala village. She fed him well, had him vaccinated (and would have had him neutered if he’d stayed) but, after a few months, he chose to go begging at the tavernas around Skala and only ever returned to Eleni for fleeting visits.

Ruby became a well known character around Skala and had been living ‘rough’ for over a year. Then he disappeared for a while and suddenly turned up looking awful. He smelt even worse.

To begin with Jean & Sharon had to give him daily intramuscular antibiotic injections, then a further course of antibiotic syrup. Eleni didn’t want him back because she didn’t think he’d stay so Sharon ended up keeping him.

Ruby has now been neutered but unfortunately turns out to be FIV positive. In other words he has cat aids. There is no cure, but he could live happily for a few more years if well cared for and kept stress free.

After lots of internet research, Sharon discovered a homeopathic approach which seems to have helped some FIV positive animals. So Ruby now has a homeopathic milkshake syringed down him 4 times a day to try and build up his immune system and give him all the vitamins and other elements he needs to keep him strong.

That apart, Ruby is very happy and has adapted well to being a house cat. He’s currently eating three times as much as the other cats, playing and enjoying a good quality of life.