Tiny’s Story: How Partnerships Help StreetVet Change Lives

Tiny lives with his devoted owner in a StreetVet Accredited Hostel in Cambridge, where life hasn’t always been easy. In summer 2025, Tiny faced a sudden and frightening challenge: he lost his sight almost overnight.

When the StreetVet Cambridge team stepped in, they discovered the cause – feline hypertension (high blood pressure), a serious condition often referred to as the "silent killer" because early signs can be difficult to spot and are often mistaken for normal ageing.

Left untreated, feline hypertension can lead to devastating consequences, including blindness, kidney damage, heart disease and neurological complications. One of the most common signs is sudden vision loss, which is exactly what happened to Tiny.

Tiny's story highlights the power of partnership in action.

Andrew Fullerton, from Ceva and a volunteer vet with StreetVet London, explains:

"When we heard about Tiny’s plight, we didn’t think twice about providing StreetVet Cambridge with the support needed to help preserve the special bond that Tiny shares with his owner.

Feline hypertension is common in cats with approximately one in five cats nine years or over affected1 and loss of vision is one of the clinical signs of the condition.” 

Because early signs can be subtle, iCatCare advises that blood pressure should be checked annually in cats once they reach seven years of age. As they get older they should have their blood pressure checked every six months and this is particularly important if cats have underlying health conditions such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) or hyperthyroidism.

Tiny’s story is more than veterinary care, it’s about preserving the bond between pets and their owners - one of the core missions of StreetVet - even in the toughest circumstances. For those experiencing homelessness with their pet, that bond can be a lifeline. Ceva’s generosity has meant Tiny can stay healthy, and his owner keeps the comfort and companionship that only a beloved pet can provide.