For the last few months I have looked after a stray cat dumped in our road. Last week he became extremely ill and needed urgent medical treatment. Being a single parent on a working benefit, I phoned the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals and was told to take him there immediately.

As this was a Wednesday morning, I lost time from work. On arrival at PDSA, I was told I did not qualify for their help and would have to see a private vet. As he is only a young cat I felt he should be given a chance of life so I took him privately.

As a result of this I am now facing a vet's bill of £203.50, just weeks before Christmas, for a cat which doesn't belong to me. What happened to PDSA's philosophy of never turning away a sick animal? Perhaps if the TV cameras had been there the outcome might have been different.

As for my son and myself, the outlook for the festive season is very bleak.

-Mrs P. Malin, Winchester Street, Brighton