Tuesday, March 24, 2009

It's a Rough Life on the Streets











The last week has been difficult week for PFA animal rescue volunteers. We learned that our tiny rescued kitten, Angel, had been terribly battered; we rescued a sweet cat named Blue from a dangerous hoarding situation, and we lost a litter of newborn kittens because the mama cat, a 6-month old kitten herself, was too sick and starved too care for them.

This week we learned about Monty, a tame but homeless cat sheltering in the shed of a kind citizen, who fed him and watched out for him over the long winter. His story made even one of our most seasoned volunteers cry.

Melissa, Monty’s rescuer, contacted us after noticing that Monty would periodically wander off and would eventually return, each time in worse shape than the last, with frostbite claiming his ears, injuries from cat fights, and fur falling out in patches.

The photos below demonstrate how Monty went from a beautiful healthy cat to a victim of life on the streets. Sadly, Monty’s ordeal could have been prevented had he been neutered at an appropriate age. Monty is an intact male cat, which means that he is more prone to wandering and aggression, which is likely how he ended up as a stray living outside. Neutering largely resolves these issues.

As of this writing, Monty is safe and sound at a veterinary clinic awaiting his neutering. He will also be tested for diseases common in street cats such as feline leukemia. We also need to find a foster home for Monty, as we are currently full to the brim.

We are grateful to kind citizens like Melissa who cared for this poor cat, contacted us when it was evident he needed additional help, and contributed toward his veterinary care. We are also grateful to all our volunteers and supporters who help us to rescue so many cats in distress.
Alanna

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