Noah, a Special Needs Cat, Desperately Needs a Home

| Print | By Jo Singer | August 20, 2009 10:04 AM

I find incredibly heart-touching stories about cats while surfing the Internet. And while I usually do not write about specific special needs kitties that need homes, this morning I received an email from a friend that deeply moved me and I was compelled to write about this special cat.

Miraculously there may an ardent cat lover, living in the Springhill- St. Petersburg, Florida area, or someone willing to travel, is reading this with an open heart, and may consider adopting this beautiful Lynx Point Siamese mix kitty in desperate need of a forever loving home.

Noah. Photo: Ron Thompson, "St. Petersburg Times"
20-Noah The Cat.jpgDorothy Swanson, a foster "pawrent" with the rescue group Home At Last Pet Adoptions, fostered Noah for months while awaiting a permanent home. Sweet, affectionate and playful, Noah got along famously with Swanson's other foster cats. Noah weaved his magic, leaving deep inroads on Swanson's heart, and when she learned that there was a possible "forever" home with a Pasco County woman, she was thrilled with the news.

But there is no fairy tale- ending to this story. The new owner had Noah declawed and allowed him to roam, even though this rescue agency strongly advises potential adopters against it. Noah now has been returned to Swanson, who may have to euthanize this sweetly dispositioned kitty as he has contracted a fatal illness; Feline Leukemia.

Wearing an electrified dog collar made to give an animal a jolt when they attempt to cross a buried electric wire, Noah was found walking in the Trinity area, along State Road 54. He was picked up and taken to a thoughtful veterinarian who discovered his microchip that carried his "home" information and brought him back to Home at Last Adoptions.

Michele L'Heureux, agency president remarked that such returns are rare, and said, "This is the worst one we've ever gotten back."

Since Noah was healthy when adopted, he probably contracted Feline Leukemia from another cat, who may have bitten him. Feline Leukemia weakens the immune system, and has been considered a "death sentence" for felines. Fortunately today however, this is no longer the case. There are treatments available which can greatly prolong a healthy life for them. For more information about this, visit:
http://felineleukemia.org/

Swanson was heartbroken and brought Noah back to her home, but because she fears risking the health of her own cats and the other kitties she fosters so cannot let him mingle. He is now confined in a back bedroom where he lives alone. Swanson is very upset about his "imprisonment" and isolation.

Since Noah is an "escape artist", since he longs for feline and human companionship, Swanson is understandably concerned about the healthy felines that live with her. She remarked, " He's not content in there, being that he's in isolation. I love him so much. I was going to see him through to the end, but it's not a quality of life for him.''

But finding a home is not that easy. Swanson added,"It's going to have to be someone who is willing to have their heart broken." While Noah appears perfectly healthy at this time, he remains contagious and must be rehomed to a cat free household or with someone with a cat that has Feline Leukemia so both cats can enjoy feline companionship. He must be kept indoors.

Home at Last will waive adoption fees for Noah, and will also contribute limited funds toward his medical care.

L'Heureux added that Noah's case is a powerful lesson about why cats should not be allowed to roam. Noah also has won her heart, and she feels that he would make someone a wonderful pet in spite of his rather traumatic past. She added, "He's a wonderful cat, beautiful, sweet and Siamese.''

And while his lifespan may be shortened, he has lots of love and companionship to brighten the heart of any cat lover who will adopt him. Do we ever know how long our cats will live? Swanson said, ""He loves other cats. He loves to have someone to sleep with. He likes to be scratched and petted. He'd probably love to be a lap cat, if given the opportunity.''

For anyone interested in finding out more about Noah, and can either provide him the appropriate home, or knows someone who would be a super caretaker for him, please contact:

Home At Last Pet Adoption's Website at: http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/FL483.html

Contact Information is: Home At Last Pet Adoptions, Inc., P. O. Box 4533.Homosassa, FL. 34447Phone: 352 476-7444 or 352 476 6832. Email: halpetadoptions@yahoo.com

I invite your comments about this story, especially if it has touched you, as well.

RELATED TOPICS: Adoption (14) , Blogs (262) , Cats (117) , Special Needs (3)



« Previous
Next »

Comments (9)

Vicki August 20, 2009 12:42 PM

What a heartbreaking story. He seems like such an adorable cat. I hope someone will come to his rescue and give him a loving, forever home. Very touchiing.

Anonymous August 20, 2009 1:28 PM

Oh how I wish I could take this sweet angel in and give him a good home. This poor baby lost his claws and a chance at a full life thanks to FeLuk. Prayers to him and I hop he finds a wonderful home.

Rani August 20, 2009 3:08 PM

What a lovely cat and I wish I could take him. But I have two healthy cats already and cannot take on a spec needs kitty.

Amy August 20, 2009 5:03 PM

I would love this cat but I already have 7 living here with me. My way of thinking may sound mean and petty but the person who adopted this cat should be declawed, made to wear a electronic collar and made to roam the streets unprotected. Am I bitter, you be I am!

Sandy August 20, 2009 5:39 PM

So sad that this beautiful cat's live is shortened becasue of someone's bad care. I hope someone can take care of this sweet kitty.

jmuhj August 20, 2009 7:06 PM

I agree with Amy 1000%.
You are right, Jo. FeLeuk is NOT a death sentence; cats can live long, healthy, happy, symptom-free lives. The incidence of reinfection is actually very slight, if one studies available data on the subject.
In lieu of another home, she might try contacting Best Friends Animal Society (http://www.bestfriends.org ), who may be able to welcome him to their special needs cat population in Kanab, Utah. It is truly a magical place for cats!

Reno August 20, 2009 7:52 PM

I will ask a friend of mine about Noah. (She has a FIV kitty) but should that fail, there is a woman in PA that takes in FeLv kitties. I will get back to you.

annie August 20, 2009 11:28 PM

this is sooo sad. wish i could help but i already have 7 or so cats -- the numbers change depending upon what moment in time it currently is. i will keep noah in my prayers. he looks so much like my beloved baby who died 4 years ago.

Reno August 26, 2009 8:20 PM

Unfortunately, my friend is at her max. :( I feel for Noah, I so wish that I could take him......I am crying as I write this as I shudder to think of this poor boy's fate....all because of some callous, unfeeling, hideous, I can't even find the words to descrigbe the person.....

add your comment

Advertisement

Petside: Get Started

Advertisement

Specials

Check out these deals picked by petside.com just for you!

Newsletter & Deals

Register now for Newsletters and Personal Tools.

Your Name: Your Email:

Your privacy is important to us.
Click here for the full policy.