BOSTON— May 9, 2022– An exotic Bengal cat found injured outside a Worcester home is expected to undergo surgery at the MSPCA-Angell this week, possibly as early as tomorrow. A good Samaritan brought her to our shelter in the early morning hours of April 25. Staff determined she was likely less than one year old. She was unable to walk and was in shock after her long night, so staff put her on medication to ease her pain while they worked to determine what was wrong.
The cat’s arrival comes almost four months after an African serval was found in Lincoln and ultimately re-homed by the MSPCA.
“Our staff knew immediately the cat had some kind of problem with her hind legs,” said MSPCA-Angell Shelter Operations Coordinator Corinne Bourgoin. “They later discovered that she has a pelvic fracture that also created a destabilization of the hip joint and will require surgery.”
This type of cat is relatively rare in animal shelters, with the MSPCA receiving fewer than 40 across its adoption center network in the last five years. The breed, which originates from the pairing of a domestic cat with an Asian leopard cat, is known for its circles and other markings that resemble those of leopards.
Bengals are usually brown or silver, but this cat has a unique orange and gold coat.
“The Bengal is on strict cage rest to allow some of the pelvic fractures to start healing, but despite this she’s very cuddly and lovable. When she’s fully recovered, we expect she’ll be very high-energy,” said Bourgoin.
Surgery on the Horizon
The Bengal cat is expected to undergo what’s known as a Femoral Head Ostectomy, or FHO, surgery this week that will remove the head and neck of the femur to create a false joint that will allow her to eventually move pain free. The surgery is expected to cost up to $4,500. People interested in donating to help offset the cost may do so at www.mspca.org/Bengal.
How to Adopt
The Bengal is currently awaiting surgery and will be available for adoption after the procedure and initial recovery. “Bengals are usually very active and need lots of interactive play every day, but it’s hard to know what her personality will be like until she’s healed,” said Bourgoin. “We’re looking for an adopter who has experience with exotic cats that can help her maintain a very low activity level while she fully recovers and take her to follow-up vet appointments.”
Interested adopters can apply via www.mspca.org/bostonadopt.
Help Name the Bengal!
The exotic cat came to the MSPCA’s Boston adoption center without a name, and we’re looking for help to find her one. People can check out the MSPCA-Angell on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, and Twitter to make suggestions and see where we’re at in the naming process.
