From the archives: This story was last updated in September 2019.
Stray cats often lead a sad life without a roof over their heads or food to fill up their empty tummies. Moreover, there are some that are in a terrible condition, like this feline in Massachusetts, and when someone decided to catch him in a trap, he had a few more things in store for him!
In 2017, Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society (MRFRS) in Salisbury, Massachusetts, took in a disheveled stray cat named Frisbee after he was found by rescuers from Lowell Trap Neuter Return Coalition. The coalition was conducting a trap-and-release spay-and-neuter campaign when Frisbee was rescued.
The ginger cat was in a bad shape. He was covered in dirt and mats, and the rescuers from Lowell Trap Neuter Return Coalition had to use traps to get Frisbee to safety.
Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society told Love Meow: “He originally was found outside, severely matted (worst we have ever seen) and very hungry. He was caught as part of a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program, and was discovered to be friendly and in need of serious dental surgery.”
Frisbee, estimated to be around 10 years old, had a few health problems. The cat had a stomatitis infection in his mouth, which would require lifelong medication. He was also tested FIV + (feline immunodeficiency virus). In addition, the feline was found to have rotten teeth.
Frisbee had his much-needed dental care for his teeth. He was also put under anesthesia for hours to have his matted fur and knots shaved off.
After the shave, Frisbee had a complete transformation from a stray and hungry cat to a happy one within a day. The affectionate cat snuggled up to his rescuers to show his appreciation.
As the 4th of July was approaching, the rescue society uploaded a photo of Frisbee on their Facebook page and asked for people to stop by the society to meet Frisbee and other cats. This would give the pets a chance to find potential owners.
The rescue wrote: “Frisbee is not overly impressed with the impending holiday, but still hopes he will have a home by then! Stop by this week to meet Frisbee and our other cats hoping to have a home before the 4th!”
Fortunately, Frisbee was soon adopted by a woman named Donna Atkins.
Frisbee’s new owner, Atkins, wrote on the rescue’s Facebook page: “When I was searching online for a kitty to join our family and spotted him on either AdoptaPet.com or Petfinder.com, I knew I had to make the 1-1/2 hour drive up to Salisbury to visit him. It was love at first sight so on July 7, 2017, Frisbee (now called Buffy) came home with us. He is so content being a pampered house cat and it is all because of you, MRFRS!”
Now, Frisbee, renamed Buffy, even has a favorite chair in his new forever home. The fur that was shaved off has also grown back. Having endured years living on the streets, the feline can now finally live a comfortable life. Good for you, ginger cat!
