A concerned homeowner in Royal Palm Beach, FL discovered a lone cat near his home. And the poor unfortunately soul was not in good shape. The cat was clearly suffering from mange, a skin condition caused by parasites. It effects mammals and usually causes itching, possible hair loss, scab and lesions.
But for this kitty, it was effecting him more than they could see.
The feline was ravenous and gobbled down food. And he even walked right into a carrier on his own to reach the kibble. Upon close inspection, they realized the mange was worse than they imagined. It was so bad it had caused the cats eyes to crust over completely!
And that left the poor cat essentially blind.
Through Facebook, a local rescue group Animal Friends Project, learned of the cat and offered to assist.
Although the caring resident couldn’t take the mange cat into their home, he refused to leave the suffering cat to the elements.
Carmen Morales Weinberg, who runs the group, picked up the cat the following day and immediately went to the vet. It was confirmed to be mange that covered his little body. But he was also very dehydrated, obviously suffering from malnutrition.
No one could know just how long the cat had been roaming blindly.
They named the boy Cotton and gave him the medical attention he so desperately needed to rid the mange from his tiny body.
Cotton received antibiotics, flea treatment, fluids and a full exam. And even better, he surprised everyone by purring through the entire visit! This was a great sign.
Fortunately, Carmen had space in her home to monitor Cotton’s recovery.
So Cotton began the healing process. And after only a few days, the mange crust cleared from his eyes. Everyone was shocked when he finally opened his hidden peepers.
He had heterochromia iridum resulting in one beautiful blue eye and one mesmerizing gold eye!
Eventually, his gorgeous snowy white fur coat began to grow back. Cotton regained his appetite and got to a healthy weight. He bonded closely with Carmen’s family and loved to be right near them at all times.
He adorably and vocally expressed his gratitude and begged for attention from his rescuers. And they were more than happy to oblige.
HAPPY UPDATE:
Cotton was actually found to have been micro-chipped!
Tracking down his former owner, Animal Friends Project learned that he had gotten out “a while ago”. Unfortunately the owner was not able to care for Cotton any longer and declined to take him back.
But now, Cotton has found his furever home with Carmen and her family!
She says she “did not have the heart to send him to a new home where he had to get used to new people. He is very attached to me ? and wants to know where I am in the house at all times.”
While still occasionally suffering from rashes on his head and ears, they are quickly treated and disappear.
Now Cotton has learned to be very affectionate and even gives kisses willingly! How many cats do that?! But he does enjoy scaling the plants in the house. Perhaps a nod to his previous outdoor journey?
But overall he has taken very well to life inside.
Seems that even though Cotton experienced a mysterious and difficult voyage, a better life thankfully found him. Click HERE to learn more about the Animal Friends Project organization and how you can help!