When canvassing the volunteers in Rescue Angels about which of our incredible kitties should become the December Cat of the Month, there was unanimous agreement that the honour be bestowed on our special boy, Havok. However, in order to tell the story properly, I have to go back in time to when Havok and his extended family were rescued from their colony and brought in to Rescue Angels.
Back in September, Rescue Angels were contacted by a resident of a trailer park north of Toronto in Mount Albert. He had been caring for a colony which was residing under a building on his property. On our many visits to the location, all 18 colony cats were trapped and rescued with the help of the very thankful colony caretaker. There were 4 moms and 14 kittens ranging in age from 3-5 months old. The families were split between 3 foster homes and the job of taking care of their health needs and socializing them began in earnest. The kittens had serious gastrointestinal issues although they were dewormed a few times and two fecal tests came back negative for parasites. They were put on antibiotics, special diets, and supplements, and have since recovered. These cats, called the X-Men, are being adopted out as they become ready, but will undoubtedly be with us for longer than usual as older kittens and cats take longer to tame up and become adoptable pets. But there is no argument that Sabertooth, Rogue, Nightcrawler, Shadowcat, Storm, Gambit, Wolverine, Professor X, Magnetto, Cyclops, and the rest of the gang are the cutest superheroes you could ever meet.
The most special of the group is Havok. During one of his vet visits, He was found to have a grade 5 heart murmur. After a battery of tests and a referral to a cardiology specialist at Toronto Veterinary Emergency Hospital for an echocardiogram, he was diagnosed with a very severe birth defect, subaortic stenosis, characterised by a narrowing of the pathway for blood leaving the heart. This condition is rare in cats and has no surgical treatment options. He now takes heart medication for this life-threatening condition and his prognosis is guarded.
Havok is not in pain or discomfort, He looks and acts like a normal, happy kitten, has a great appetite, and loves to play with his siblings. This dear kitty is with his remaining unadopted siblings and will be a permanent foster enjoying life to the fullest until his time. Meanwhile he will be totally spoiled and given the best care.
However, as the trailer is obviously is a dumping ground for unneutered and unwanted pets who are multiplying uncontrolably, there are still a large number of stray and feral cats and kittens in pockets throughout the location. A week ago, we brought another mom and 3 babies into the rescue and have another family waiting for help. Unfortunately these families require very experienced foster families and a lot of care – and we are currently stretched beyond our maximum – in terms of available space, volunteers, and funds.
This year has been a tough year. The rescue has dealt with almost everything – a very large group of cats and kittens who developed ringworm, a few kittens with neurological issues, kittens with serious eye issues, Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), and of course, our special boy Havok with his subaortic stenosis. As a result, cats and kittens have stayed with us longer (and some have become permanent fosters) as we provide the required medical and socialization care. It has drained us financially.
We are still in desperate need of financial donations. Please continue to help us with this mission to end the breeding and suffering.
To make a donation, click here.