My Sweetie Spot - A Cat Rescue Story

by Barbara
(Missouri)

Spot is a large black and white male that showed up as a stray at my sister's house 11 years ago. He was the friendliest stray unneutered tom I have ever seen. Despite having 4 cats at home alrready, I soon fell in love with his sweet nature and big green eyes.

Upon having him examined, he was diagnosed with FIV. I was devastated, but I put him in a good kennel and started looking for a home. None to be found. Finally, I decided to vaccinate my other cats and introduce Spot gradually and see how it went.

It went without a hitch. Only my male of about the same age had any problems with Spot-but no matter what he did he could not provoke any aggression! Spot is a true Zen kitty. He has never had any issues because of the FIV, thankfully.

Now he is 13 or 14 and all the other cats have passed away. I rescued two younger cats and the 3 are great friends. But 2 weeks ago one morning, I discovered Spot in my living room unable to move his hind legs. He has cardiac disease and threw a saddle thrombus. We were very lucky that circulation to his legs was never impaired and apparently only partial nerve damage-he has regained strength in one leg and sensation in both.

It's a big lifestyle change for all of us but so far my sweet old man has accepted his altered mobility with determination and style. There are no guarantees for tomorrow but I will never regret being able to have him with me for however long it may be-he is truly the sweetest cat I've ever known.

Reply
Thank you for sharing your story with us. It is sad when our older cats start to fall ill and have trouble getting around. It comes to us all I guess.

I wish you and Spot a happy future and I hope he regains his strength soon.
Kate

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