10-Month-Old Cat Now Recovering at Boston Adoption Center Clinic
BOSTON, Mass., Feb. 23, 2024 – An employee at Stop & Shop on American Legion Highway in Roslindale was leaving work shortly before 11:00 p.m. on the evening of February 11 when she made a shocking discovery in the parking lot—a severely injured cat. The person immediately called Boston Animal Control, which instructed her to bring the cat to Angell Animal Medical Center’s 24/7 emergency facility in Jamaica Plain.
The 10-month-old gray cat—who the MSPCA is now calling “Dusty”—had wounds all over his body that are consistent with burns.
“We don’t know how Dusty was injured,” explained Dr. Rebecca Fellman, who is part of the team treating Dusty at the MSPCA’s Boston Adoption Center clinic. “When it’s cold out, cats on the street often climb in wheel wells or under car hoods to stay warm, so it’s possible that Dusty was hurt when an engine was started by a driver who didn’t even know he was there.”
The MSPCA recommends that people bang on car hoods before starting engines during cold weather to wake up any animals that may be hiding.
“Regardless of how Dusty was hurt, we’re now focused on helping him recover,” Fellman added.
Dusty’s Road to Recovery
According to Dr. Fellman, Dusty’s treatment plan includes managing the wounds with regular debridement and bandage changes, with the hope being that they will heal enough to close surgically. He is also taking antibiotics and pain medications.
“We expect Dusty’s recovery to take several weeks to months,” Fellman expounded. “He’s not out of the woods yet—he will need additional surgeries, and the severe wounds on a hind limb may result in amputation.”
“But, we’re taking it day by day and we’re optimistic that he’ll recover.”
The MSPCA expects Dusty’s care to cost up to $5,000, depending on whether he will need amputation and skin grafts. Those who would like to donate to help offset that cost may do so at mspca.org/dusty.
Do You Know This Cat?
“Dusty is an example of why it’s so critical that people microchip their pets,” said Corinne Bourgoin, shelter operations supervisor at the Boston Adoption Center. “It’s possible that there is a family out there desperate to find their beloved cat, but because he has no microchip, we don’t know how to find them.”
“So, we’re asking the public for help,” she added. “If you or someone you know owns this cat, please get in touch with us!”
Anyone with information on Dusty’s owner is asked to call the shelter at (617)522-5055.
“If no owner steps forward, we’ll place Dusty with a new loving family when he’s more fully recovered,” Bourgoin explained, noting that he’s a sweet and friendly cat who will make a great addition to any family.
The MSPCA will post updates on Dusty’s recovery and adoption status on its social media pages.
