special needs cats

Mercedes was found on a cold winter morning after she showed up at house off Highway 97 just outside of Madras. She was probably hit by a car, but the people did not see it happen.

The people who found her did not know what to do with her. It was a Saturday when most veterinarian offices are closed, and the people did not have the ability to get her to the nearest emergency pet clinic an hour away, nor did they have the funds.

CRAFT was contacted and found a veterinarian who was able to examine her. She seemed to be completely paralyzed from an injury to her spine. She was unable to move her legs or her tail, and had no feeling from her hips back. The major bones in her hind legs were broken. Fortunately she did not have damage to her internal organs. She did not seem to be in pain and appeared to be grateful for the attention she was getting. A decision was made that if she had the will to live, we'd try to help her. She was stabilized and medicated, and transferred to a foster home for intensive care.

After a few weeks we started seeing some movement in her legs and then her tail. As the days went by, she seemed to get stronger and move more. Now she can flip her tail up to groom it. The nerves in the area of her spine that was injured are beginning to heal and she is regaining feeling in her back legs and tail. At this point she likes being out of her pen, and follows her caregiver around by pulling herself with her front legs. She can move quickly when she doesn't want to be put back into her pen. She is starting to try to use her back legs, so the veterinarian feels it is almost time to set the fractured bones in her legs.

She has control of bodily functions but because of her back legs, is unable to get into position to use a litter box, so needs a little help for now.

Although she had obviously been a pet since she is so friendly, it appears that Mercedes did not get basic care such as being spayed. This will be done when her legs are corrected. She is a young cat with a wonderful, sweet nature and a strong will to live. However, she will probably never have full mobility and may not be able to jump or climb, so will need a proper environment where she can be safe.

Although her foster caregiver will find it hard to give her up, Mercedes will eventually go to a home of her own, and her caregiver will no doubt have another cat or two needing her expertise and love.

If you are interested in helping with a donation towards Mercedes' vet bills, this can be done through PayPal, JustGive or by mail. Or, if you have a loving and appropriate home for this little cat once she's healed, please contact CRAFT.