SWEETS Domestic Short Hair Grand Rapids, MI

Saucy, stunning Sweets was born in late 2013 and entered our program the 1st time in 2015 through two of our volunteers. Shorty after her arrival we adopted her out to a couple who didn’t remain in contact, then in late2018 a friend of their snotified us that they were no longer able to keep her. However instead of returning her to us as requested, the woman took her home, assuring us she would be a good owner and keep up with veterinary exams and such that her friends had failed to do. Seems that Sweets had been having some litter box avoidance issues, but instead of seeking help from me or any of my colleagues, they allowed her to void inappropriately until it became too much for them, She was then relocated to this woman - who in turn at some point relegated her to a barn. As I have been told she once again was avoiding urinating in the litter box provided, but instead of finding out WHY it was assumed she was just being a ‘bad kitty’, when in actuality she was afflicted by a painful, inflammatory bladder condition that had long gone untreated. She arrived at the clinic just after the 1st of the year (2020) and I immediately ran blood and urine tests, which confirmed what I suspected: she was suffering from a condition known as Feline Idiopathic Cystitis. Treatment was started—canned food daily and twice weekly oral anti-inflammatory medication that she takes like a champ—and her response was IMMEDIATE! Imagine that, a medical issue responding to the appropriate treatment.
Stress is a key factor in the exacerbation of this condition, and I think it’s very clear that there were triggers in her homes that had her upset enough to cause the responsive behavior. She startles easily so for this reason a more mellow home without lots of commotion would best suit her needs. She may do best as the only cat, even though she has done extremely well with her 20 other feline roomies; we just feel that if another cat were to dominate or bully her it may cause flare-ups. She is such a nice little girl who really deserves a real 2nd chance, and now that we understand why she was acting out as she was and have addressed it properly she has had nothing but the most perfect bathroom habits. Here at Crash’s we are firm believers in righting the wrongs that stem from human negligence and ignorance; education and understanding are the keys to any success, but it is of paramount importance when it comes to having a healthy and happy relationships with the kitties entrusted to our care as pet owners. Sweets lives up to her name 100%; it is now time for us as her caretakers to treat her with the kindness, compassion and the sweetness she is most certainly deserving of!