AVA Dilute Calico & Domestic Medium Hair Mix Grand Rapids, MI

On March 11th, 2016 our friend from Tiffany’s Tiny Cat Rescue took in a severely matted mess of a calico with a host of issues she didn’t really feel equipped to handle, considering she was also FIV+. She sought veterinary care for her and got immediate needs addressed, including a bilateral ear infection and an upper respiratory virus. Tiffany contacted me in hopes that I could take her under my care and ultimately offer housing at our Sanctuary, so we made plans for intake for the 15th. I was fully prepared for a cat in need of medical attention—that I can handle—but those of you know me realize that I am NOT a groomer, so when astonishing Ava arrived at the clinic, I smartly enlisted the help of a professional as she was matted beyond what I could manage. What I could handle was addressing her physical issues: a bilateral ear infection that had been untreated for so long it spread to her middle auditory canals, causing heavy drainage into her nasal passages, and a large hernia that resulted from her previous spay surgical site not being closed well or not healing properly—that was discovered once layers of tangled fur were expertly shorn from her beautiful, long-overlooked body. This lovely little lady (born in the fall of 2011) had seen more than her fair share of trouble and trauma, evidenced by a crumpled (yet cutely cocked) left ear and a scarred left eye. I have no idea what BS had befallen her before her rescue, but I can tell you how she finally came to be safe and secure:

“A cold, thin, long haired kitty wandered into a barn in Gowen where a couple were tending to the horses. Finding it heated and warm they walked over and laid her exhausted body on a pile of hay. The couple, feeling sorry for the kitty that cared not of their presence, let her stay in the barn feeding her daily along with giving her fresh water. They posted found ads everywhere in the hope of finding an owner, but to no avail. Out of the blue a rescue that frequently scans Craigslist happened upon the kitty’s post and offered a helping hand; the couple gladly agreed to work with TTCR and after no one stepped forth to claim her, they brought her in on March 11th. After allowing the kitty to settle in, spoiling her with canned food and a soft, warm bed, sweet natured Ava was given her foster name. Tiffany could see she was sickly and though a vet appointment was scheduled, knew it would be best to start antibiotics as she had seen the symptoms of respiratory illness over and over. Slow to eat and drink at first, after 48 hours on meds she perked up and began acting more normally, but still had a runny nose, was sneezing and breathing with her mouth open due to congestion. Heart broken that this poor soul was thrown out in the cold and abandoned, unable to deal with the elements, Tiffany felt more than confident to reach out to her friend/role model Dr. Jen and did so—and low and behold Dr. Jen was more than happy to help.”

Once Ava recovered from her procedures she was taken down to Big Sid’s where she spent a few days acclimating to her new surroundings and socializing with a few other program ‘newbies’. After her glamour shot was snapped for ID and adoption purposes, our illustrious lass was allowed to roam our two-story facility as she pleased—and boy was she ever pleased to meet anyone and everyone who crossed her path! Ava is quite an attention-seeker, but not in an obnoxious way, preferring to use her come-hither stare to lure you into her furry grasp. She does possess a hint of diva within that fabulous 7# frame, but no one seems to mind because she is such an endearing, captivating cat that she really can do no wrong in our eyes. Given her gentle nature and her long-standing history of neglect, it is no wonder she fell victim to the bite of another cat carrying the virus, but since she wouldn’t think of lifting a lip to snarl, let alone entertain the thought of biting, risk of FIV transmission is minimal. What is extremely plausible is that once you feast your eyes on our fantastic feline, you will be completely and utterly smitten—and won’t be leaving Sid’s empty handed, but rather with a heart full of love for your newest family member—breathtaking Ava in all of her glory!