Special Needs Cats
Just like a person who may live with diabetes or a mild chronic illness (but is otherwise healthy and fine), there are cats out there with special needs as well. As many of our cats may often come from harsh environments, illnesses are sometimes inevitable. However, with proper care and love, many of these cats recover and blossom. Once given this second chance they often have a good prospect of leading long and fairly normal lives.
Annex Cat Rescue realizes that many people may not have the resources or patience to handle a cat with special needs. But for those who are ready for the challenge to turn the life around of some very extraordinary creatures who have already beaten the odds, we have this opportunity for you.
These animals are currently available for adoption. If you are interested in adopting any of these cats, please contact us today!
"Do you have a LAP for me?"
Name: Maddie
Approximate age: 10 years
Maddie is a charming fluffy black cat with striking green eyes. It was the desperation in those eyes that first touched the Annex Cat Rescue volunteer who found Maddie, neglected and abandoned outdoors along an ACR feral colony feeding route last spring. Now indoors and cared for in an ACR foster home, Maddie has proven herself to be an exceptionally resilient cat. With a gentle spirit, quiet strength and unwavering cat-titude, Maddie has proven that she's determined not just to survive, but also to thrive. After several months of TLC in her ACR foster home, Maddie's once-sad green eyes are now calm, wise and, like her future, dramatically brighter.
Maddie is a confident cat who loves interactive play, particularly with feathery toys. Due to her uncertain past, she can be cautious at first, but she's proven that with patience and gentleness, she's willing to trust and eager to please. Maddie loves to be with people, and when she's comfortable, she'll climb into your lap for attention. She especially loves to be stroked on her head, neck and shoulders, behind her ears and under her chin. And of course, Maddie is always quick to let you know that she's happy with a soft, contented purr.
Maddie, who prefers not to compete for petting, laps and love, would flourish in a stable, quiet home as your one-and-only feline companion. Maddie is a very special cat who deserves an equally-special forever home.
Prior to her rescue, Maddie had been severely neglected. When she was abandoned, her dark fur was matted in painfully-tight clumps and she was covered in burrs and gum. So significant was the matting that much of Maddie's fur had to be shaved to relieve her discomfort. More disturbing than her fur, however, was her severe malnourishment. When Maddie, a full-grown cat, was rescued, she weighed under five pounds and she was so skinny, her ribs, pelvis and backbone jutted out.
A blood test done by a veterinarian revealed that Maddie has hyperthyroidism. However, with an inexpensive, twice-daily pill coupled with Maddie's enthusiasm for food, she's now a much healthier eight pounds. These days, Maddie appreciates constant access to food and she will require medication for the remainder of her life to manage the hyperthyroidism and to ensure that her weight stays within a healthy range.
While Maddie loves to be stroked on her head, neck and shoulders, she sometimes finds being touched below her shoulders and being picked up painful. The veterinarian believes that this may be due to arthritis, and has prescribed glucosamine to ease her discomfort. Maddie is a friendly girl who enjoys human companionship, but needs an understanding adoptive family who will respect her fluctuating ability to be held and pet below her shoulders.
