In Royal Palm Beach, Florida, a resident discovered a stray cat in distress near their home. The feline appeared to be suffering from mange, a skin disease caused by parasites that often results in itching, hair loss, and lesions.
This condition had particularly severe effects on the stray cat, including a drastic impact on its eyesight. The cat was extremely hungry and eagerly devoured any food it found, even walking into a carrier to reach some kibble.
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Closer inspection revealed the severity of its mange; the condition had caused such significant crusting that the cat was rendered practically blind.
Carmen Morales Weinberg, who leads the Animal Friends Project, came to the cat’s aide by taking it to a veterinarian. There, it was confirmed that the cat was not only afflicted with mange but also suffered from dehydration and malnutrition.
It was unclear how long the feline had been wandering in this state. The veterinary team administered antibiotics, flea treatment, and fluids to the cat, named Cotton, who charmed everyone by purring during the entire process.
Carmen provided a safe place for Cotton to begin his recovery, and within days, the crust from the mange cleared away from his eyes, revealing one striking blue eye and one captivating gold one due to a condition called heterochromia iridum.
As Cotton’s healing progressed, his once-damaged white fur coat started to grow back, and his appetite returned, allowing him to regain a healthy weight.
He quickly formed a close bond with Carmen’s family, delighting them with his attention-seeking behavior and vocal expressions of gratitude.
Remarkably, Cotton was microchipped, which led the Animal Friends Project to track down his previous owner. It turned out that he had gone missing some time ago, but unfortunately, the owner was unable to take him back.
This twist of fate meant that Cotton could remain permanently with Carmen and her family.
Carmen shared, “I couldn’t bear to send him to another home and watch him adjust to new people. He’s very attached to me and prefers to stay close by.”
Though Cotton occasionally experiences minor rashes on his head and ears, they are swiftly treated and tend to clear up quickly.
Now, Cotton has become a loving and affectionate cat, even offering ‘kisses’—a rare trait for most felines. Despite his past outdoor adventures, he has adapted well to life indoors, occasionally climbing plants around the house.
Cotton’s journey from hardship to happiness is a heartwarming story, illustrating the resilience found in unlikely friendships. For more information about helping animals like Cotton, consider reaching out to the Animal Friends Project.
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