Like many of the homeless cats that come through
the AFRP adoption program, Eloise, a 1-year-old Maine Coon mix
had been a pregnant stray, and the shelter called to see if we
could help. Once Eloise's kittens were weaned and adopted, it
was Eloise's turn to come to the adoption center. But first a
lump on Eloise's belly needed attention. She had an abdominal
hernia that could be repaired with a fairly routine surgery.
Sadly, Eloise turned out to be one of a small percentage of
cats that have a bad reaction to anesthesia drugs. She went
into cardiac arrest on the table and the vet worked frantically
to save her life. He calls her a true 'miracle cat' for her fighting
spirit and will to live. Gradually Eloise gained strength and
was able to eat and drink on her own. But her blindness persisted,
and we think at best, she is only able to see shadows. She also
has some mild neurological deficits including head tremors and
ataxia resulting in some loss of coordination.
After spending several weeks at the vet clinic, Eloise was well
enough to go into foster care. "She's such a sweet cat," says
foster mom Tamara. "Once she got her bearings she would run and
play. She likes toys that make noise, like crinkly paper, plastic
balls with bells and toys that rattle. She has no trouble remembering
where her litter box and food are. She loves being held and cuddled;
I think it makes her feel secure."
People who have blind cats are often amazed at everything their
cats can do. Their ability to adapt is incredible. Blind cats
rely on their other senses -- smell, hearing and touch -- to
a degree that we humans can't imagine. They get all kinds of
environmental cues including changes in air movement and vibrations
that help them navigate their world. They typically like to stay
on the floor, and have the uncanny ability to know where they
are in the house by using an internal mapping system.
Eloise is looking for an adopter who can give her lots of love
and the time she needs to adapt to new surroundings. She will
need an indoor-only home, and a single level would be safest.
A quieter household without small children that might startle
her would be best. She could happily live with other gentle cats
or dogs. Can you give this very special cat a home? Meet Eloise
at the Posh Pets Adtopion site, 160 Fountain Ave in Pacific Grove,
or give us a call at 831-333-0722 for more information. |
