Imagine for a moment the fear and suffering that would be experienced if you were left alone and unable to access the necessities of life, such as food or water. This tragic reality was forced upon a young female tabby, when the family she depended on to care for her, moved out of their shared home and intentionally left her behind.
It was not until 4-5 weeks later, that the landlord found her. He had arrived to prepare the house for a viewing by prospective tenants. Fortunately, he contacted the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) to inform them of this case of abandonment.
The case was then referred to Humane Society London & Middlesex’s Investigations Department. Upon entering the home, the Agent found a severely dehydrated and malnourished cat who barely managed to lift her head due to her lack of strength. Frankly, she was on the brink of death.
The Agent took immediate action and carefully transported the starving feline to a nearby Veterinary Clinic for emergency medical attention. During her medical examination, it was determined that this ill cat’s weight had dropped to only 1.55 kg during the period of her abandonment; an average adult cat weighs between 2.7 to 4.5 kg. Although help had finally arrived, it was unclear whether she would survive.
Once stable, this fragile cat was taken to Humane Society London & Middlesex for continued medical treatment and monitoring. It was then that she was given the name “Xena” as she accurately personified the personality traits of this fictional warrior princess. It was evident that this courageous animal was not prepared to give up.
The road to recovery for an emaciated animal, such as Xena, is lengthy and often difficult. A starving cat can die from metabolic disorders, known as “re-feeding syndrome”, if given too much food too fast. Food must be gradually reintroduced, in frequent but small portions.
Unfortunately, the risk of “re-feeding syndrome” was not the only issue that the Animal Health Team at Humane Society London & Middlesex. had to worry about. Xena’s blood work results showed that she was Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) positive. This disease attacks a cat’s immune system, leaving them vulnerable to infection. Although there is no cure for this disease, proper care and diet can be very effective in helping FIV + cats to live long and healthy lives. This diagnosis would, however, make Xena’s recovery more difficult.
The following months of dedicated care Xena received at Humane Society London & Middlesex’s by the team of Registered Veterinary Technicians, Animal Care Attendants and volunteers is the reason we are able to report the fact that Xena is now a happy and healthy cat. She is currently awaiting adoption by someone who will love and cherish her for the rest of her life.
Cases of neglect, abandonment and abuse are dealt with on a regular basis by Humane Society London & Middlesex. As a non-profit, charitable organization who receives no Government funding, we rely on the support of our community. Without the generosity of individuals such as yourself, we would be unable to save the lives of innocent animals, such as Xena.
The best way to help support the care and shelter of animals at London Humane Society is by joining our PAW Monthly Donor Program.