A much-loved family cat from Hampshire has made a remarkable recovery following specialist surgery to remove a large brain tumour.

Max, owned by David and Emma Finney-Young, began showing sudden and concerning symptoms, including lethargy, disorientation, and loss of balance.

Alarmed by the rapid deterioration in his health, the couple rushed him to their local vets, who referred Max to Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists in Winchester—part of the Linnaeus Group.

An MRI scan revealed a substantial mass on the left side of Max’s brain. The diagnostic team suspected a meningioma, a benign but space-occupying brain tumour that is the most common type found in older cats.

Emma said: “The news of Max’s diagnosis shocked us. We often refer to ourselves as ‘the three musketeers,’ as he is such a beloved member of our family. The prospect of him needing brain surgery was incredibly upsetting.”

Max’s complex surgery was performed by a specialist team led by European Diplomates in Neurology, Sinead Hamilton-Bennett and Miguel Benito Benito, with support from Jessica Zilli, a former final-year neurology resident.

Sinead explained: “Max had been experiencing around ten days of progressive symptoms, including lethargy, disorientation, and abnormal breathing. The MRI scan confirmed a large tumour that was severely compressing the surrounding brain tissue.

“Fortunately, meningiomas are typically slow-growing and respond well to surgery. After discussing treatment options with Max’s owners, we proceeded with brain surgery and successfully removed the tumour.”

Just days after the operation, Max began showing signs of recovery.

David said: “His progress has been astonishing. Just three days post-surgery, he was trying to run up and down the stairs. He’s playful, eating and drinking well, and even started going outside again under supervision.”

It may be said that cats have nine lives—Max has certainly used one of his, but with the help of a skilled veterinary team and devoted owners, he’s back on his paws and thriving.