Written by Kristin Kniehl
The population of feral cats is a worldwide crisis. Humans often think that cats are independent and therefore suited to be on the streets. But cats need just as much care as our dog friends. Their systems are actually more sensitive. They form the same loving connections with humans and they are just as susceptible to the same dangers and diseases as dogs. Meet three cats that sparkle with their own brand of gold.
Oh, Honey, Honey
There’s nothing sweeter than seeing an injured baby recover into a dapper young man. Honey was rescued November 2, 2021, about four weeks old at the time. Found in the middle of the highway in Masaya, so tiny he was almost missed, a wonderful man on a motorcycle noticed Honey and picked him up. He took the time to contact our animal welfare partner, Fundacion ADAN, and delivered Honey to safety. Treatment began immediately.
Honey’s little body was a mess. Lifeless and bleeding from the nose, tail cut off from a hit and run. His initial exam showed that his lungs were clear and was free of any major injuries, but Honey was obviously not ok. He was in pain and his abdomen was bloated. No one felt confident that Honey would live through the night, but with the consistent care and attention from the aces at Fundacion ADAN Honey’s life turned around. All medical costs were covered by NicaLove.
Honey is now the most ravishing young man and he is ready for adoption! His ginger coat has grown fluffy and he grooms his gorgeously healed body with pride. Honey is a handsome boy, and boy does he know it. He’s an introvert at first, stirring up intrigue among the dames, but this spiffy playboy is waiting to swoon and be scooped up into his forever home. NicaLove has paid for his neuter, parasite treatment and prevention, and all vet visits for his once recurring flu and parasitic infections. Honey has a clean bill of health and with a crackerjack spirit he is ready to step out (into the safety of someone’s home) and break some hearts.
Bee My Little Baby
Wee Bee was abandoned at 3-4 weeks old. Her rescuer brought her to Fundacion ADAN’s shelter in Managua on November 7, 2021. And guess who she bonded with right away? With just one peep, Bee and Honey became a snuggly item.
Other than malnourished and full of parasites, Bee was healthy. But because she was so young and without a mother’s milk, part of Bee’s care was feeding her expensive kitten formula every three hours until she was able to feed on her own. This supported the healthy development of her muscles, bones, and brain. NicaLove kept her supply fully stocked.
It’s quite possible that Honey wouldn’t have survived if it wasn’t for Bee’s love and companionship. Cats are social creatures, just like dogs and humans. Cat behavior is often attributed to their experiences: show a cat love, and it will show love. Show a cat cruelty, and it will show trauma. Stray and feral cats have learned to distrust humans. It’s NicaLove’s goal to help them recover and start new lives. Bee responded to Honey’s call for help, and these two orphans conquered the initial odds against them.
But now Bee needs help and Honey’s paws are tied. Bee is suffering from chronic respiratory infections, a common drawback of life in a shelter. She needs to get out and into someone’s home where she can regain strength. There’s no denying that Honey Bee are a bonded pair – their fates, and names say it all. Please help this duo start the life they deserve by spreading word to potential adopters.
Silver Bullet
Silver is durable, precious, and a mainstay of human culture. Just like Silver (the cat). Silver was found injured under a bush in Managua. He had been hit by a car. Unable to walk and in pain, Silver was in a state of shock. On January 20, 2022, a neighbor of Fundacion ADAN rescued Silver and brought him to safety. The vet discovered that Silver’s pelvis had been dislocated and fractured from the impact of the hit. He required x-rays, surgery, and on-going veterinary care and treatment. Once fully recovered, Silver was vaccinated and neutered. NicaLove provided for the total cost of his care, over $250.00.
In February, NicaLove founder Julie Burke had the chance to spend time with Silver and he lived up to his name. Sturdy like your grandmother’s silverware, Silver has made a full recovery after his surgery. He is friendly, calm, and snuggly: the perfect companion for a human. While he walks with a limp, his scars and superficial wounds have healed. Silver will likely always have an unusual gait but that’s what makes him unique. He’s ready to be someone’s easy solution to love, their very own Silver bullet.
Fundacion ADAN has close to 75 cats under their care. Adoptions are free in Nicaragua which makes the amazing work that our animal partners do challenging without the help of donations. A healthy kitten costs approximately $50.00 before it can be responsibly adopted. This includes the essential spay or neuter. An unspayed female cat and its offspring (up to eight litters) can produce over two thousand more in eight years. You can be part of the solution:
- Donate to NicaLove or another animal welfare organization
- Spay and neuter your cats
- Adopt!
- Talk to your local vet about the trap-neuter-return process for stray cats
Every cat offers its own special approach to life. Whether it hunkers down like Rambo ready to playfully attack your feet, or kisses your nose every time you go to sleep, cats provide humans with the love and laughter necessary for life. Honey, Bee, and Silver are waiting for your love.