FIONA

In August we were contacted about a tiny kitten with some pretty significant eye infection. This is an unfortunately common reality among kittens born outside to fend for themselves. It was initially unclear what her fate would be- these infections can be quite painful, and often these kittens have additional issues. But Fiona is now a healthy, happy, affectionate kitten! While she will never had much, if any, sight, she hasn't known any different for most of her life, and will be just fine! She'll be spayed soon and will hopefully make her appearance at the cafe in the next month or two, where she'll learn to find her away around and get into trouble just like any other kitten.

LI’L PETEY MARMALADE

Petey came to us this summer, looking like a typical malnourished kitten. At his first vet visit he received fluids and was prescribed lots of TLC, but a week later he had not gained weight and he did not appear to be improving. Blood work revealed elevated liver values, but without a clear cause. Additional testing for a liver shunt was not conclusive, and testing for parasite borne illnesses was negative. Petey was a mystery!

Our amazing vet consulted with specialists, and Petey was prescribed two antibiotics and a liver support medication for a month. Follow-up blood work after those treatments found that his liver values had improved, but were still not normal. He was prescribed a second round of antibiotics and liver support medication, and his value continued to improve. Repeat bile acid testing for a liver shunt was normal, so at this time it appears Petey had a liver infection and should recover fully!

LIL LOVE BUG

In June we were contacted about a tiny kitten with significant leg deformities. Her legs were curved inward, affecting her ability to walk even at her tiny size. Without intervention, she would have a mobility issues as she grew that would have affected her quality of life.

Thankfully a great foster was willing to take on the task of caring for her and her siblings. Our wonderful vet worked closely with her to create and regularly recheck braces made with finger splints designed to correct the issue.

And now? It'll be hard to pick her out amongst her siblings once she arrives at The Scratching Post!

2024 UNION COUNTY PROPERTY

Throughout 2024, a dedicated volunteer worked with property owners in Union County to address a cat colony of mostly friendly cats and kittens in need of a new place to land. We have pulled at least twenty five cats from the property, the majority of which have been socialized enough to be adoptable. Projects like these require a significant amount of work, including trapping and transporting, and fostering. It’s also taxing emotionally, as it can be hard to make the right choice with cats who are only partially socialized. In this case we also lost one kitten, who likely had significant flea anemia (I’ve never seen gums that white).