Monday, September 21, 2009

Who would adopt such an ulgy cat?

Where most adopters seek out pedigree cats, cats with "perfect" colours, cats with long straight tails, cute kittens, there is a small "breed" of human who ask to adopt the "most unadoptables".
These fellow human beings are one level up on the spiritual development of compassion and wisdom.

The story of the "Ugly Cat", renamed "No Ear Cat" and finally "Manja"
17-01-2007 : He was eating from the “bowl” of dry food left by the elderly Jewish lady. His hearing was impaired as he was startled when I approached. There was a whitish scar behind his left ear. Both ears were “collapsed” due to past infection of the ear cartilage. A few minutes later, I heard shrieking of cats within the vacant school compound. It was likely that this ugly cat, now I rename as “no ear” cat, was attacked by Long-tail for territorial encroachment. At a safe distance outside the school, Firsie (below) was stretching her neck trying to see what was happening.

26-01-2007: After 2 hours of searching for NEC, he was found just after Vincent drove off. I quickly called him to U-turn back. At about 10pm, Vincent netted hm while he was snacking on wet food. I am quite sure his hearing is impaired as his awareness of approaching people was blunted. The photo below is the only one of several that shows his head. There is a spot of blood on the top of his left ear which could be due to the trauma of being netted and then towel-restrained for transfer into a trap. NEC yelled quite loudly while he was struggling within the net, attracting a few passer-by’s to stop and gap. I sms-ed Vincent to inform the Vet of the wound at his ear and if needed, to board him after sterilisation for treatment.

With NEC away, the residents at three blocks of HDB flats should not be awakened by caterwauling and shrieks of cat fighting till he returns. His testosterone level will taper off eventually and he should be as docile, settled and quiet as Scar-Back.

27-01-2007: Sms from Vincent, 5.05pm: “NEC already sterilised and discharged. He has 2 deep wounds on the neck. Ears - serious infection. Very smelly. Head injured. So nice of Dr Wang who said: “This cat very poor thing.” Medication was not charged. Take all medicine and charged only $20 for sterilisation. Clinic said he was very fierce and asked me to take him back to nurse him myself.”

I told Vincent to look after him for one month and to do what he can to make his wounds heal. I think good nutrition is important for NEC to heal on his own as his ferocity prevents Vincent from cleaning the wounds and his ears.

Is there is anyone who would like to sponsor his boarding on a long-term basis? This might be a better option than releasing back onto the streets.

I think he has never received any kind of affection in his life. Will anyone ever love him?

11-03-2007 : Mary adopted NEC on 11th (Sunday)

It was difficult for Vincent to part with NEC.

1.09pm sms from Mary: “I have cleaned NEC’s ear with cotton wool, sight pus noted on his left ear and have applied frontline spot-on. He’s manja, turned his body for a bottom rub. Urinated but no faeces. Eating well. Fed him wet food last night and this morning. Just gave him a bowl of dry food. He’s sleeping now. We communicate a lot by blinking. “

14-06-2007 : Latest photo update from guardian, Mary

Latest photo 30-03-2008