I was nicknamed "Sylvester" by my rescuers because
I am a
long-haired black and white male cat, and the name stuck. I had a
really terrible time outside, and it was believed that I would not live
because I was so sick. My entire body was covered in scabs, my nose was
crusty and I was having difficulty breathing, my eyes were red, running
and practically swollen shut, I was covered in dirt and matts, and have
thin fur / no fur on many areas of my body due to poor nutrition and
infections. By the time I was taken to the vet, I was so weak, I had no
appetite and could barely eat and stand.
Thankfully, I am
now on the road to recovery..... The good news is that I have tested
NEGATIVE for feline leukemia and FIV! :-)
The reason my skin was so irritated and I was covered in so many scabs
is because I have a really bad allergy to flea bites. I also had ear
mites, and a very bad upper respiratory infection - which have all been
treated. I am still taking antibiotics. I am eating good healthy food
now, which is boosting my immune system. I am getting stronger and
better, day by day. The vet recommends that I become an indoor cat
only, as the outdoors does not agree with me - especially the
fleas!
I
am about 2- 3 years old. I will not be neutered until the end of May -
once my body has recuperated and that I am strong enough to handle the
surgery. [Update:
Sylvester is now neutered, up to date on vaccines, and ready for his
permanent home!]
The vet believes that I was an abandoned cat,
based on my behaviour. I was first noticed in January. A kind-hearted
neighbourhood cat took pity on me, and I followed him to my rescuers'
home in late January - in the snow and cold. Because I had been
abandoned, I was very scared and did not trust people anymore. I would
come to my rescuers door every night for food, but would not let them
approach me. My rescuers set up a bed for me on a chair and built me an
insulated hut - which kept me from freezing during the really cold
winter months. My rescuers were very patient with me, and checked on me
every day to make sure I was OK. They brought me food, but I would run
away when they came towards me. I would come back to eat once they had
left. Soon, I started getting used to people coming and going, and
didn't run away as much. Slowly, I allowed my rescuers to pat me and
eventually pick me up (that's how they got me to the vet's). The first
time I got picked up, my rescuer cut off several large matts of fur
that I was dragging around behind me. They were 3 - 4 inches long and 1
- 2 inches around - full of burrs and other debris.
Now, I
am all cleaned up and slowly becoming the handsome cat I am. I am a
very gentle cat. In a permanent loving home, I will come out of my
shell and become your loyal lifelong companion and lap cat. Will you
please adopt me (into a home with no fleas) and give me a chance to
have a happy life - after the terrible one I have had up to now?
