Stray Cat Breaks Leg in fall from Third-Floor Porch

BOSTON, July 31, 2014 – If it is true that cats have nine lives then four-month-old stray “Adams” used at least one of hers in a fall from a third-floor porch in Dorchester, Mass. last week, the MSPCA-Angell announced today.  The young kitten fractured her right hind leg in the fall and faces surgery tomorrow, after which she can be placed into a loving forever home.

Stray or Owned: That’s the Question
Adams—named by shelter staff after the street on which she was found—was rushed to the MSPCA on July 21 by a neighbor who witnessed the fall.  The good Samaritan, who asked not to be identified, said he tried to no avail to make contact with the family living in the home, ultimately bringing Adams to the adoption center because he worried the family would not get her the care that she needed.

Adoption center manager Alyssa Krieger is relieved that she is safe and sound.  “We don’t know for sure if Adams was an owned cat,” she said, adding that the kitten’s friendly and playful manner indicated she probably was someone’s pet.  “But no one has stepped forward to take responsibility for her care, so we are going to repair her leg and then find a deserving home for her.”

Adams peers from her temporary cage at the adoption center.  She’ll be ready for adoption soon after surgery to repair her broken leg (credit: MSPCA-Angell)

Adam’s Road Ahead

Adams will undergo what veterinarians call a Femoral Head Ostectomy; the procedure involves removing the damaged “ball” end of the leg bone and refashioning what remains so that it fits back into the socket.   “The surgery is routine and most cats do very well afterwards,” said Krieger.

Adams surgery will be paid for through Spike’s Fund, which helps the MSPCA’s Boston adoption center provide emergency medical treatment for homeless animals in need.

Adams is expected to be available for adoption after her surgery and will likely need several weeks of “cage rest” to ensure she heals completely.  Prospective adopters are asked to contact adoption@mspca.org if they are interested in her.

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.  Adams 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