A female cat discovered living in a vehicle in Tauranga by the SPCA has recovered from cat flu and having her ears amputated - now she needs a forever home.

‘Tilly’ is being touted as a “true rescue cat” by Tauranga SPCA staff after she was taken to the Alach St centre five months ago with severe cat flu and sunburned ears.

“Tilly has had quite the ordeal for a two-and-a-half2.5 year-old cat; her living conditions were not ideal, and she desperately needed to see a vet,” said Tauranga SPCA animal attendant Bethany Thomson.

A member of the public alerted Tauranga SPCA to Tilly’s living situation, and SPCA acted, said Thomson.

“Tilly came in to us through a welfare concern reported to SPCA.

“She had given birth in the car – and both Tilly and her kitten had quite severe cat flu. Tilly clearly needed some help as the living conditions in the car were not adequate.”

Thomson said when Tilly was admitted to the centre’s hospital for treatment of cat flu.

“It took her along time to get over it.”

Then, Tilly underwent an operation to remove her sun-damaged white-coloured ears, caused by high UV exposure in the car and no pet sunscreen, said Thomson.

Tilly pictured recovering from surgery that removed her ears. Photo / Supplied

“Because she is a white cat they sunburn easily. It is recommended for white cats that owners apply sunscreen.”

Thomson said the edges of both of Tilly’s ears looked slightly discoloured – and, sadly, they’d taken too much sun damage and needed to be removed.

“Our vet assessed it [the sunburn] was precancerous and it was best to remove Tilly’s ears before it spread.”

The short-haired domestic cat has now fully recovered – with hearing in both ears intact– and Tauranga SPCA is trying to re-home her.

“We would like to Tilly be homed indoors to protect her from the sun and so her ears don’t fill up with rainwater – and we need family that will apply pet sunscreen on her nose regularly because it is white.

Tilly is looking for an indoors-only home. Photo / Supplied

“She is confident so a family with children would suit as long as she can be kept inside.”

In fact, Thomson said the white-coloured cat with a uniquely patterned “raccoon-like” tail isn’t shy about her ear-less face.

“She’s a big fan of the ferret look! She is super friendly and has the loudest purr. Tilly would be a great fit in most families because she’s so easy-going and chill!”

Thomson said Tilly’s recovery had taken months of dedication and care from SPCA staff and volunteers.

“She’s conquered cat-flu and damaged ears, and now her sweet, loving personality shines – and she’s looking for a family to cherish her and spoil her rotten!

“He ears are now fully healed so no further treatment is needed – she just needs a loving home to take her in.”

If you’re willing to make a real difference to a feline which has been through so much strife, phone Tauranga SPCA on 07 578 0245. Ref: 624478.