A retired breeder with ongoing health problems is now widowed and forced to find homes for 25 Persians. These are beautiful cats, healthy, and fairly well socialized. Sadly, they have lived their entire lives in cages. The "facility" is licensed and clean, and there is a caretaker coming in on a daily basis to clean litter boxes, and feed all of the cats. Each day the boxes are emptied and disinfected.
In our initial walk through we saw no signs of fleas, ear mites, worms, or skin problems. Some cats that have seen a vet have shown that they've been well cared for and fed during their lifetime. All have been recently shaved down or groomed by family members, although there are a few in need of grooming updates. The cats will be taken out as we have applications for them and bathed and groomed. Then we will have them altered and place them in their new home. These will be project kitties since they have been caged most of their lives. They will need a gentle environment so they can learn to walk, run, and climb up the cat post.
So far, those that have been taken out, have gained their "sea legs" in just a couple of weeks. It was heartbreaking to walk through taking pictures of all of these cats and to know that for 1 - 8 years, they have lived in cages. They all came to the side of the cages to meet us, and many would reach out a paw for some affection. One little girl was playing in her cage and kept batting at the ball in the cage of another cat.
Because the cats are safe and in a clean, familiar environment, we will leave them there as long as we can while we see to their veterinary needs and find homes for them. If, however, the woman's health takes a sudden turn for the worse, we may be facing a severe crisis if we cannot get these cats out beforehand. If you have ever considered fostering Persians, and are in the local area, we'd love to have you talk to us.
Due to failing health, and a very small pension, this lady has zero money to pay for vetting of these cats. All of the extra money pays for the food, litter, and daily caretaker, and family members have been taxing their own budgets to contribute to food and emergency vet care. We would be grateful of any donations toward their veterinary care. We will need to vaccinate, spay/neuter, test, microchip, and bathe and groom all of the cats. Additionally, we are praying for donations so that we can afford to give Senior panels and dental care to some of the older cats.
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Wednesday, September 08, 2010
