His age is hard to determine. What little teeth this dusky gray tomcat has left are broken and his gums are in bad shape. His back claws are non-retractable, his whiskers and chin gray. He was found in a pile of trash by a man’s beagle while they were out for a walk. The man thought it strange, not only that his beagle alerted to the pile of debris, but that one plastic bag was also encased with wire. When the call came, I left immediately for the old airport where he had been found.
He is thin, emaciated, yet as I lifted him gently into the carrier, he licked my hand. His eyes are goopy, his breathing labored. Whoever put him inside that bag didn’t want him found. God had other ideas. I offered him canned kitten food, the only thing I had on hand, he ate a few bites then laid his head down on my hand and I wept.
He is at the vet’s being given life-giving fluids and electrolytes. Although worms are visible, he has only been de-flead at this time. His body isn’t strong enough to handle to many chemicals but the fleas were covering him. I’ll have to flea-bomb my car later. He could be anywhere from 12 years old to 17 or 18. If anyone did love him in his life, there is little evidence of it. We are hopeful that because he is eating small amounts at a time, that he will live. There is no fever. His eyes show evidence of conjunctivitis perhaps there are corneal ulcers as well but right now, we are just concentrating on getting the infection under control. His tail is shrunken and broken- no telling if it is hereditary or due to something else.
I gave him the name Smokey Joe and he will be at the vet’s for a few days. Although his breathing was labored, his lungs sound clear. The vet believes the plastic bag the cat was encased in has caused the labored breathing. He has a murmur in his heart but it is very faint.
I gave him gentle pets and kissed the top of his head before I left him. I told him to hang in there and be strong, be the tough cat that tomcats are supposed to be. I told him it would only be a matter of time before his jowls filled out again and he had the cheekiness of a tom- I told him a better life waits ahead of him.
I do hope he can pull through. From what it sounds like he may be too weak, but then you have a propensity for finding cats that are in this kind of shape. Or should I say, they find you. That is really awful that someone would bind up a bag to keep him confined to die.
I’m so glad that the man and beagle found him. I hope he makes it. The cruelty of some people just break my heart.
I would consider offering him placement in my home. I have several special needs and older cats. I am experienced in giving subcu fluids and many of my older cats are on special diets. I also have “introduction kennels” to get new kitty used to the new environment. He would strictly be an indoor cat. I’m home alot, I work part time. I am also an experienced and “retired” feral cat rescuer. I have a bad back and I live in area with many non-profits that have many volunteers to do the hard work of setting traps, driving to spay/neuter clinics, etc. Do rescuers ever retire? Anyway, I live in Eureka, CA. And I would be able to drive up north if need be. I am interested in welcoming Smokey Joe into my home if you’d consider me. If you want to email me for my phone #, autumnweardesigns@gmail.com
PS – I shall send prayers for him. And thank you and the man and his dog for being part of the solution.
Autumn- that is a wonderful offer. I will let you know. Right now, he isn’t going anywhere. The vet is keeping a watchful eye on this old boy.
Glad to hear Smokey Joe is good hands. He will good supportive care. Keep us posted! That man and his beagle were in the right place at the right time! Every cat and dog are worth the effort! Thank you for doing what you do!
Glad to hear Smokey Joe is good hands. Keep us posted! That man and his beagle were in the right place at the right time! Every cat and dog are worth the effort! Thank you for doing what you do!
What a truly cruel thing to do to a cat. The person who did that didn’t even have the guts to kill an animal outright. Too strong a meat for the monster’s delicate stomach, no doubt. So he threw Joe out with the trash.
I hope the old fellow makes it. If he does, then he will indeed have a better life.