Un-adoptable cats are perfect

In a world where perfection is often idolized, un-adoptable cats remind us that beauty and worth are found in imperfection. They teach us the importance of acceptance, compassion, and the value of every living being. By choosing to adopt an un-adoptable cat, you are not only giving a deserving animal a loving home, but you are also enriching your own life in countless ways.

This post is affectionately dedicated to the imperfect, yet beloved, Missy Pebbles

Sadly, I had to say goodbye to my beloved cat, Missy Pebbles recently. It was a heartbreaking decision to let her go, but I knew it was time for her to join her brother, Bam Bam, at Rainbow Park. We had six wonderful years together, and she will always hold a special place in my heart.

Missy was a friendly and welcoming cat; she loved nothing more than greeting visitors and snuggling up in their laps and mine. She truly cherished all the love and attention she received here. Check out The Flintstones posting for more details.

In honor of Missy and the many other cats I’ve brought home through Gaia’s Landing Program over the years, I would like to share their stories.

How I started adopting the imperfect cats

My journey with Gaia’s Landing Program began when I encountered a remarkable 10-year-old long-haired black cat with only two and a half legs, named Lucky. He had a rough start in life, having survived a farming accident as a kitten and losing his previous owner.

My mother and I discovered Lucky together, and she urged me to adopt him. I did, and I quickly fell in love with his resilient spirit. Sadly, our time together was cut short when Lucky was diagnosed with cancer just four months after we met.

Losing Lucky left a void in my heart, but it also inspired me to provide a loving home to other imperfect cats in need. That’s when I discovered Gaia’s Landing Program.

Over the years, I’ve welcomed many cats through this program. I am so grateful for the opportunity to care for these special animals and for the guidance and support I received from AniMeals’s staff.

Gaia’s Landing Program at AniMeals

Gaia’s Landing was named in memory of a senior feline named Gaia that was surrendered to AniMeals due to no fault of her own. According to staff, she died from a broken heart at the shelter. As a response to Gaia’s story, the program was designed to increase the adoptability of senior cats and cats and kittens with significant, but treatable or manageable, medical conditions.

Notes from the Director:

Through the Gaia’s Landing Program:

• We provide comprehensive support to adopters and their feline companions. 
• We offer a 24/7 hotline to address any urgent concerns and ensure the adopter receives appropriate care.
• We cover the costs of annual medical exams, guided by a veterinarian, to update treatment plans and ensure optimal health. 
• We cover the costs of prescription food and/or medications throughout the cat’s lifetime, ensuring they receive the necessary care and nourishment.

It’s designed to break down barriers to adoption, and make sure that each cat lives its days supported and well-loved. Currently, 82 cats are a part of the Gaia’s Landing program.

Many of the cats surrendered to AniMeals have medical conditions or injuries that need to be addressed for the feline to become available for adoption. Most of them come from right here in Missoula County.

For example, 14-year-old Tawn was left outside of our building with a note. It included a couple of clues that he had received extensive care at a local pet emergency room, but it just became cost-prohibitive for his companions to keep Tawn. We scheduled an appointment at Animal Blessings Pet Hospital where it was discovered that Tawn was suffering from unmanaged hyperthyroidism and was experiencing pain in his hindquarters. His hyperthyroidism is now managed with an easy-to-apply transdermal medication and his pain is controlled with gabapentin. He is available for adoption and AniMeals will pay for his care for the duration of his life.

Because the need is great in Missoula County, we are focusing our efforts on intaking cats from our area as priority now. There is no shortage of cats here that need our space, time, and resources right here at home. We receive surrender requests daily from community members, local veterinary hospitals, animal control, and unplanned anonymous drop-offs in the safe haven box. We are doing our best to absorb what we can here in Missoula County and protect the quality of care for current shelter residents.

Additionally,, there are other rescues similar initiatives in Montana like the Senior for Senior Program. This program also covers all medical care for senior cats living in the homes of senior citizens. For more information, please visit their website: https://www.petpaw-see.com/senior-senior-program/.

I have attached some pictures of current Gaia’s Landing cats, including Tawn, Fifi, and Fercules).

-Ashley Lipscomb, AniMeals Director

Un-adoptable cats are a true treasure

Un-adoptable cats, often overlooked and undervalued, possess a unique charm and resilience that make them true treasures. These cats have faced challenges and obstacles that have shaped their personalities and enriched their lives. While they may not fit the traditional mold of “adoptable” pets, they offer a wealth of unconditional love, companionship, and joy to those willing to open their hearts and homes to them.

Their resilience and adaptability are a testament to the strength of their spirit. Despite facing rejection or abandonment, these cats maintain a positive outlook and a zest for life. Their ability to overcome adversity and find happiness in the smallest of things is a reminder of the incredible resilience of the feline species.

Un-adoptable cats often develop deep bonds with their human companions. They may have experienced trauma or neglect in the past, but they are eager to give and receive love. Their gratitude and loyalty are unmatched, and they will shower their owners with affection and purrs.

Adopting an un-adoptable cat is not just an act of kindness; it is a mutually rewarding experience that brings joy and fulfillment to both the cat and the owner.

Furthermore, un-adoptable cats can be a source of comfort and support for their human companions. Their gentle presence and calming demeanor can provide solace during difficult times. Studies have shown that interacting with cats can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mental well-being. An un-adoptable cat can be a valuable addition to a family, offering companionship, emotional support, and a sense of purpose.

Current Gaia’s Cats

Through the program, I have acquired extensive knowledge and experience, which has enabled me to confidently care for senior, hospice, and handicapped felines. In my role, I have encountered a wide range of medical conditions in cats, including diabetes, cancer, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, stomatitis, cerebellar hypoplasia, stroke, and others.

Currently, I have three Gaia’s Landing Program cats in my care:

• 14-year-old Kitzy, who has severe and chronic stomatitis, Kitzy the Mascot
• Almost 2-year-old Wolfie the Wobbly, who has severe cerebellar hypoplasia
• 8-year-old Kenji , a diabetic cat

In remembrance of other Gaia’s beloved feline companions

Ferra, a wonderful elderly cat, possessed the vitality of a kitten. With her adventurous spirit, she effortlessly scaled trees and found solace in the garden. Ferra’s journey began in a colony, but fate led her to a shelter. Despite facing challenges, including a mass in her throat that was later removed, Ferra displayed unwavering resilience. After experiencing a stroke, she moved on as if nothing had happened, demonstrating her remarkable zest for life. Additionally, Ferra received medication to manage her hyperthyroid condition.

Upon encountering Ricardo at the shelter, I administered insulin to him for a substantial portion of his time spent living with us. Together, we achieved periods of freedom from insulin dependency. Sadly, his life was prematurely cut short during a veterinarian visit for a tooth extraction, succumbing to an undiagnosed condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

My first Gaia’s cat, formerly known as Sneezy, was named Oxford. Despite his frequent sneezing episodes and chronic stomatitis, which often left boogers on his bed and the window, he was a friendly and outgoing feline. Oxford’s tail was unable to stand straight up, a sign of happiness in cats, but this physical limitation did not affect his overall cheerful demeanor. At bedtime, he would seek comfort and relaxation by curling up on my chest in a bread loaf-like position and purring contently.

Here, Angel got to live out his remaining days peacefully in a familiar and loving environment–a fortunate end for an elderly cat with diabetes and a number of health issues.

Just a few months after welcoming BamBam into our home as Pebbles’ devoted and healthy brother, I was devastated when he was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and leukemia.

Precious resided with us for a short time. Throughout her stay, her weight consistently decreased. Unfortunately, her health declined, possibly as a result of cancer.

In his final moments, Red Boy, who had been surrendered to the shelter while battling cancer, reveled in the fresh air and sunlight streaming through the window catio.

A desire to increase a number of shelters offering such programs

Nationwide, I wish more shelters would provide such programs. This would allow adopters to understand their cats’ health issues and provide appropriate care, which would help build confidence in their ability to care for their pets.