MSPCA-Nevins Farm Caring for Friendly Feline who Survived for Months Outdoors after being Struck by Car
BOSTON and Methuen, Mass. Jan. 22, 2016 – Just before Christmas a resident of Lawrence, Mass. called the city’s animal control officer to report that a skinny and badly injured black cat had taken refuge near her front door, perhaps hoping that a kind human might save him.
That same day, Dec. 21, 2015, Lawrence animal control officer Ellen Bistany hurried the cat, estimated to be about four years old, to the MSPCA-Nevins Farm in nearby Methuen, hoping he might be saved.
“Old, Poorly Healed Injuries”
It was immediately apparent to the adoption center clinic team that “Frank,” as he has since come to be called, had suffered traumatic injury to his face, head and hips—most likely from a run-in with a fast-moving car. His right eye was so damaged it had to be surgically removed, along with a broken upper canine tooth. Frank had also suffered a broken jaw.
Most startling, however, was the realization that Frank had been injured months ago—as evidenced by the degree to which his injuries had begun to heal. Somehow the little cat managed to stay alive outside, badly hurt and with no reliable food source.
Adding to Frank’s misery was the near-constant hunger pangs he would have felt; he scored 3.5 out of 9 on a body weight score, indicating that he was significantly underweight.
Several weeks of recuperation in a foster home have done wonders for Frank, according to Director Mike Keiley. “Frank’s friendly and sweet-natured personality has started to shine now that he’s gained a bit of weight and is no longer suffering from his eye injury, and we can now place him for adoption.”
Frank is just one of the many hundreds of cats the center will shelter this year who will benefit from the MSPCA’s decades-long work to reduce the overall number of homeless cats in Massachusetts.
Lowering the Boom in Homeless Cats
The MSPCA has played a critical role in reducing the homeless cat population through free and low-cost spay and neuter efforts, as well as ongoing adoption advocacy. Just over 4,000 cats were surrendered to the organization in 2014, less than half of the 11,600 surrendered in 2010. Kitten surrenders have dropped by over 70 percent in the same time period.
This translates into good news for Frank. “Our success in sharply reducing the total number of homeless cats means there are now more resources available to cats like Frank—whose injuries and ongoing treatment are so significant that even five years ago we may not have been able to help him. But now we can, and that’s incredibly gratifying for our team and ensures that Frank’s future is much brighter.”
Frank’s Path Forward Despite his turn for the better, Frank is still on the road to recovery. He will require two separate hip surgeries to ensure he will be mobile and comfortable for the rest of his life. For now, the team is hoping a wonderful adopter will step forward to give Frank the life he deserves, in a safe and warm home.
The MSPCA-Angell’s three state-wide animal care and adoption centers take in, and place into new homes, thousands of homeless dogs, cats and other animals every year. Frank represents just one of the many animals who arrive every day—and whose futures are brighter as a result of the care they receive. Readers can contribute directly toward the care of these animals by clicking here.
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The MSPCA-Angell is a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary medicine and provides direct hands-on care for thousands of animals each year. Founded in 1868, it is the second-oldest humane society in the United States. Services include animal protection and adoption, advocacy, humane education, law enforcement, and world-class veterinary care. The MSPCA-Angell is a private, non-profit organization. It does not receive any government funding nor is it funded or operated by any national humane organization. The MSPCA-Angell relies solely on the support and contributions from individuals who care about animals. Please visit www.mspca.org and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mspcaangell
