Tom Petty
Let me tell you that being a stray cat is one of the worst things that has ever happened to me. I was found by a kind person near 79th Street and Eagle Creek on May 5. This lady brought me to the HSHC because she knew I was in bad shape. My medical examination revealed all the reasons I needed help. I tested positive for having ear mites, an upper respiratory infection, FIV, an abscess wound on my chin, and having Feline Heartworms. I also had missing fur around my tail. I found out that I am 8-years-old, weigh 9.9 pounds, not yet neutered, and look kind of beat up. I am an orange-and-rust DSH with Tabby markings. No one ever took care of me or had me neutered, so being taken to the shelter was a miracle. I've spent 34 days in the medical unit receiving treatment for all my ailments. The thing is, I am a very nice boy. The interviewer lady (IL) visited me and was so pleased to see how friendly I was. I gave her head butts and began purring to beat the band when she petted me. She told me I'm a ruggedly handsome fellow. I've known so little love and affection in my life that it has been marvelous having so much attention paid to me. The FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus found only in cats that can lower a cat's immune system. I can live a long, happy life [even with FIV- cats] with regular vet visits, a healthy diet, and an indoor-only lifestyle.] My ear mites, wound on my chin, and URI have all been treated. I was kind of bummed to find out that feline heartworms are pretty rare and there is no treatment for them. Fortunately, 80-85% of heartworm-positive cats will naturally clear the infection over a period of two to three years without developing complications or noticeable clinical signs. So a bad situation has turned out better than I expected. I am excited to think that someone will decide I'm the cat for them and adopt me. The IL told me I deserve a loving home as much as any cat in the Catteries. Paws crossed! 6-17-26