15-Year-Old “Mittens” Underwent Extensive Medical Care to Heal Broken Legs and Jaw
BOSTON, Aug. 26, 2024 – The MSPCA-Angell is searching for the perfect retirement home for “Mittens”, a very special 15-year-old cat whose recent years have been anything but golden.
The sweet, senior cat was hit by a car on March 24, 2024. Both his front legs were broken, rendering him unable to stand or walk. He also suffered a broken jaw that made it impossible for him to eat. Despite his obvious suffering, his owners refused treatment—and that’s when MSPCA Law Enforcement stepped in.
“We got Mittens four days after he was injured, when a warrant was issued authorizing us to seize and hold him,” explained MSPCA-Angell Vice President of Animal Protection, Mike Keiley, noting that the cat had been living in a home in Western Mass.
“It was clear that he badly needed medical attention, so we knew we needed to get him to Angell [Animal Medical Center in Boston] as soon as possible, so he could get the specialized care he needed to live out his golden years healthy and happy.”
A Long Road to Recovery
Mittens was forfeited to the MSPCA-Angell on June 20 after his former owners did not pay a bond, as ordered by a judge, in accordance with a state law updated in 2016 that allows entities such as the MSPCA-Angell and municipalities that are holding animals to cover the cost of caring for animals seized as part of cruelty prosecutions.
“Mittens’ situation is incredibly unique and very complicated,” expounded Keiley. “Given his age and the extensive injuries he had when he came to us, the decision in most cases like this would have been euthanasia.”
“But, Mittens was being held as live evidence in an active animal cruelty investigation, and we didn’t have full ownership of him because he was seized, not surrendered.”
“Knowing that, our vets examined him and believed that, although it would take a long time, they had the skills necessary to repair his injuries while keeping him as comfortable as possible, which, considering our responsibility as a law enforcement department, we knew was the right decision, regardless of cost.”
Keiley estimates that the MSPCA-Angell spent more than $20,000 healing Mittens. The organization asks that anyone able to donate to help offset that cost please do so at mspca.org/mittens.
“We’re fortunate at the MSPCA to have all the pieces needed to make a save like this possible,” he added. “Our Law Enforcement team finds and removes animals from unsafe situations and brings them to Angell, where they’ll get the best possible care, and then our adoption center teams will match them with the perfect new home.”
“Now that Mittens has reached the end of that journey, it’s time to find him his happy ending.”
Retirement Home Needed!
“Despite his extensive injuries, everyone at Angell who treated Mittens said he was incredibly tolerant and nice,” recounted Keiley. “As he healed, that super friendly personality has only shown itself more and more!”
Staff at the MSPCA’s Boston Adoption Center believe Mittens would do well in a home with a dog or other cats and may be able to live with children who will be gentle, given his long healing journey.
“At 15-years-old, he’s actually the oldest adoptable cat we’ve ever neutered, but he still has plenty of good years left, and we know he’ll make a perfect companion for the right adopters!”
Mittens is available for adoption now, and, as part of the MSPCA-Angell and MASS coalition Felineanomenon adoptathon, can be adopted fee-free from August 26 through August 30. Interested adopters are asked to submit an inquiry at mspca.org/mittens.
