7/13/2009 - Kitty needs some HELP!!
Bella was first discovered taking cover under a bush in a back yard. For three weeks a kind lady had put out food and water for her and
had frantically contacted several rescue groups in the area. Stray Cat Blues received her e-mail for help, which reflected her desperation:
"Kitty needs some HELP!" A SCB volunteer decided to leave work early that day to investigate the kitty under the bush who so desperately
needed HELP.
As she followed the kind lady outside to the patio, a small dark form slowly began to emerge from the bushes. It was difficult at first to tell what kind of animal this was but, whatever it was, it moved very slowly and clearly needed help. The kitty had been starved down to 4 pounds and walked slowly and with obvious difficulty. Her fur was a mass of huge, hard mats which must have made movement difficult and painful. She was filthy and clearly exhausted from starvation and fighting the elements. One eye was totally clouded and she did not respond to sounds.
A further shock was to come: This tired old girl had been declawed. As a result, she was totally defenseless on the outside. Although totally unaware of the shocking sight she presented, this little girl was obviously pleased to see the little crowd of rescuers which had formed around her. In response to the many pats on her head and scratches under her chin, she purred loudly and then gently head butted everyone again and again.
It was clear this kitty did, in fact, need HELP and needed it quickly. An hour later, after devouring an entire can of Fancy Feast, the little kitty under the bush had been safely bedded down in a Stray Cat Blues foster home and was peacefully curled up in a warm blanket sound asleep. Her foster mom named her Bella which means beautiful, in anticipation of the beautiful kitty she hoped Bella would one day be again.
Liz
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10/1/2009 - Progress
In the weeks after her rescue, Bella underwent a diligent round of antibiotics and fluids. Both eyes were infected and she had an upper
respiratory infection.
She proved to have a good appetite and loved her kitten chow which was in her favor. After one week, Bella had gained enough strength to withstand a shave to remove the matted fur restricting her movements and preventing her from sleeping comfortably. Her toes seemed to cause her some pain, most likely the result of being out in the winter cold, and made worse by the fact she had been declawed.
Two weeks after her rescue Bella suffered a setback requiring another round of IV fluids; however, within 5 weeks she had gained 2 pounds and her overall health had stabilized. Her blood work showed no unusual kidney or liver problems and the veterinarian diagnosed her as being a relatively healthy, albeit underweight, kitty. Lots of rest and good nutrition followed in the following weeks.
Liz
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10/31/2009 - Prognosis
Bella has one blind eye, probably the result of an untreated infection, which seems to cause no pain since she rubs it freely against her favorite
humans and objects. Her other eye appears healthy and normal. Bella seems to be totally deaf but that doesn’t stop her from communicating and she
will meow loudly (since she can’t hear herself!) to gain your attention. Bella appears to have some arthritis in her back legs which causes her
to move deliberately and s-l-o-w-l-y at times. Her age is estimated to be at least 8 years; however, when since she has endured a hard life, it
can be difficult to estimate Bella’s exact age.
If I had to use one phrase to best describe Bella, it would be "amazing grace". Throughout all her trials, she has remained happy and composed as a princess. And don’t feel sorry for this little girl. She is one happy kitty, grateful for each day, every new meal and any display of affection, which she will respond to with purrs and snuggles. She loves Fancy Feast and salmon cat chow. Bella currently lives in a cage positioned in front of large glass sliding doors where she watches the activity of the birds and squirrels outside. Bella, herself, though prefers being a couch potato and to cat nap thoughout the day, safe and totally content in her own secure little space. No more bushes for this little kitty! Bella has continued to regain her health and to gain weight. She is a gentle soul, always responding to her favorite chin scratches by purring and nuzzling everyone and everything around her. With good care and a quiet and loving home, we expect Bella will have many more good years to come.
Bella is looking for her "forever home" and will need a special person who will accept her as she is. If you think you are that special person, both she and I would love to meet you.
Liz
∞∞∞∞∞To submit an adoption application for Bella, CLICK HERE.
∞∞∞∞∞To go back to the Stray Cat Blues Homepage, CLICK HERE.
"The highest reward for a person's work is not what they get for it, but what they become because of it." -- John Ruskin