Dish of the Day

On 17 February World Cat Day, a heart-warming return-to-life story comes from Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU). What began with pain but blossomed through determination and compassion turned into a “miracle” story. A small cat that lost the ability to walk after being run over on its hind legs, and for whom amputation was recommended, found hope through solidarity in the medical community and became “Umut” (Hope).

A small cat living in the backyard of a house in Samsun was found severely injured, struggling for life while dragging its hind legs. By chance, it caught the attention of an animal lover: Prof. Dr. Türkan Mete, who works at a private hospital. She immediately took the injured cat to the nearest clinic, only to receive devastating news: the cat’s hind legs would need to be amputated.

A determined physician and the power of modern medicine

However, neither the physician nor the little cat lost hope. Without delay, Prof. Dr. Türkan Mete directed the case to the Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Animal Hospital, which has advanced technological capabilities. Following detailed examinations and tests, a modern treatment process was initiated for the small companion.

Healing through laser therapy

Physicians at the OMU Animal Hospital adopted an innovative approach beyond conventional methods. The first laser therapy application quickly produced the expected effect. Responding positively in a short time, the cat began to regain sensation and use its hind legs again. Because of its strong will to hold on to life, the healthcare team named it “Umut” (Hope).

Human and veterinary physicians join hands for a life

In this emotional story, reported by StarTV Samsun correspondent Serdar İpek (Haber55.com) and broadcast on the StarTV main news bulletin, physicians from two different disciplines came together to save a life. While OMU Animal Hospital Chief Physician Prof. Dr. Didem Pekmezci explained the treatment methods and Umut’s resilience, Prof. Dr. Türkan Mete, who found the cat and brought it to the hospital, emphasized the importance of timely and correct intervention.

The warmest message on 17 February: never lose hope

On 17 February World Cat Day, an initiative that began in Italy in 1990 and aims to draw attention especially to stray cats, Umut’s story inspires everyone. Experts note that the recovery process will be monitored carefully, and the story once again demonstrates how vital modern veterinary medicine is for animal companions.

Today, Umut is not just a cat, but a living symbol of what love and science can achieve together.