Al & Ed Bonded brothers Domestic Medium Hair North Kingstown, RI

This the story of two cats, Al and Ed. Al and Ed are closely bonded brothers who were brought to us because their family was facing eviction for having companion cats. While both of them have heart murmurs, Al’s was particularly concerning. He spent a few days at Ocean State getting evaluation and a treatment plan. It was recommended that he get an echocardiogram with a cardiologist, which was done recently. They are estimated to each be around 3 years old.

The echocardiogram revealed that Al has an extremely rare medical condition. He has a double chambered right ventricle, a condition so rare that only a small number of cats have ever been diagnosed with it. We discussed what this meant for Al with the veterinarian, and she recommended a new treatment plan with very close monitoring.

Al is very unlikely to live a full life span. In fact, the vet said he may live eight or nine years if all goes well. But she also said he was stable and that we could give him a chance. Being a no kill shelter, we wholeheartedly agreed!

Al will need twice daily medications every day for life, and he will need an echocardiogram every 4 to 6 months to monitor his condition.We are happy that Al is stable, but the shelter is not the best place for Al and Ed. We are not there around the clock, and we don’t have the ability to provide the super quiet and very attentive environment that this special boy needs.

The foster would need to bring Al in approximately twice a year for his echocardiogram. They can bring him to the shelter and we can take him. he needs to be monitored for any signs of cardiac insufficiency or failure. A list of those symptoms can be provided at the time he goes to his foster home. they would benefit from a quiet and peaceful home without dogs, young children, excessive noise, or any significant stressors.

Ed previously had some GI issues But he seems to be doing well at the moment. Both Al and Ed are on a hydrolyzed diet and seem to do well with it. We can provide the foster the food as well. Ed does not need any additional veterinary care beyond a yearly annual /vaccines unless he develops issues.

We want to place them in a long term foster home that is a quiet home with an owner experienced with cats with cardio disease and doing meds. in a foster home it will be less stressful then the shelter and will allow for more hands on time with them. An ideal owner works at home, retired, etc and has the ability to care for 2 cats, having one with ongoing medical conditions. We are also looking for someone experienced with medical conditions who has cared for cats previously. While another cat in the home would likely be fine, a home without dogs or other animals will be necessary to keep things quiet and peaceful for these very special boys. We will provide the food . Medications and fiance the vet visits./Echocardiograms. We just need you to give them the love and home they so deserve.

There is no fee to foster to adopt


OK cuties, our turn! They are so handsome and adorable and sweet! . They do deserve a loving home together with a foster owner prepared to continue their medical care. !! If interested, the first step is to go to our web site and fill out a foster application at: thepetrefuge.org and print and fill it out and email back to ShelterManager@thepetrefuge.org.. Filling out a foster application is the first step. You can also call the shelter at 401-294-1115 with any questions. Currently, visits to the shelter are by appointment only for approved applications, so please fill out an application, then email it into us . Or, if you prefer, you can print it out on paper, fill it out, and drop it off. The manager will be in touch with you about an appointment for a visit, once your application has been approved. We also invite you to follow us on Facebook under Pet Refuge, and Tiktok under petrefugenk.