FleaFlea was one of the many cats who showed up on the property looking for help. We accidentally discovered a heartworm issue when we trapped him for neutering. The local vet did a “triple snap” test and it turned up positive. Cats aren’t natural carriers for heartworm, which left a lot of our resources scratching their heads.
He spent his last few months inside on a very conservative regimen of heartworm care, including a stress-free environment and close observation. He was doing just perfect…and then he wasn’t.
FleaFlea died very suddenly, and it was most likely a pulmonary embolus related to the heartworms. We were there with him when it happened…he was gone in less than 5 minutes. He passed surrounded by his family as we frantically called the vet at home for help. There just wasn’t time…
We live in a very rural community, and stray cats are not typically given the luxury of a name, a home, vet care, fresh food, and a cute little hammock in the window. We even cut a huge hole in the door and added a screen…so he could socialize with us as we walked back and forth through the house. He had all he needed as we cared for him.
We’ve worked with many, many cats here in Tennessee since the beginning. Trapping. Neutering. Spaying. Vaccinating. Microchipping. And ultimately finding safe homes for them off the street. FleaFlea passed too soon, yes. But he was surrounded by love and comfort, and that’s worth something around here.
