In Cambridge, Ontario, a young orange tabby cat named Marmalade is on a challenging journey to recovery after surviving a traumatic experience that left him with a severe buckshot wound. Animal rescuers are rallying around Marmalade, working to raise funds for his medical care.
Rescue and Diagnosis
Marmalade’s ordeal came to light just before the Labour Day weekend when Dorset Rescue Kittens (DRK), a non-profit organization based in Puslinch, Ontario, was alerted by a concerned resident. The cat was found in a Cambridge neighborhood with a visibly injured paw. Cailey Seymour, the executive director of DRK, described the shocking discovery.
“I did the X-ray, and it was something we don’t typically see every day. You don’t see an animal that’s been shot every single day,” Seymour said.
The X-ray revealed the extent of Marmalade’s injuries: his paw, covered in blood and pus, had likely been festering for nearly a week. The vet quickly identified the bright white metal fragments on the X-ray as buckshot, leaving Seymour and her team stunned.
Additional Health Complications
Marmalade’s troubles didn’t end with the buckshot wound. While at the vet, he also tested positive for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), a condition that weakens his immune system, similar to how HIV affects humans. The virus has also caused resorptive lesions in his mouth, leading to the decay of his teeth and gums. As a result, Marmalade will need to have all his teeth removed.
To improve his chances of recovery, veterinarians have determined that his injured front left leg, shattered by the buckshot, will need to be amputated. “The bullet likely went through his arm, shattering all of his wrist bones,” Seymour explained. Marmalade’s surgery is scheduled for the Tuesday following the long weekend.
Fundraising and Future Care
DRK is now focused on raising funds to cover Marmalade’s extensive medical bills, estimated to be between $6,000 and $10,000. The rescue has already raised about $2,000, but they are seeking additional support from the community to ensure Marmalade receives the care he needs.
Despite the long road ahead, Seymour is optimistic about Marmalade’s future. “We’re hopeful that we’ll find him a new home within the next month or so,” she said. “This will likely be a two to three-month journey for him to recover from the leg amputation and his dental surgery.”
Marmalade is described as a friendly and affectionate cat who enjoys the company of other cats, making him a promising candidate for adoption once he recovers.
A Growing Concern
Marmalade’s case has brought attention to the increasing number of feral and stray cats in the Waterloo Region, a trend that has concerned the local rescue community. This incident marks the second time in recent weeks that a cat has been found with injuries believed to be caused by human violence. Last month, another cat in North Dumfries was reportedly tied up and shot with a paintball gun.
These incidents, however, are not under police investigation due to a lack of information and formal reports. Seymour emphasized the growing presence of large feral cat colonies in the region, which can lead to increased risks for these animals.
“Some people consider them an invasive species,” Seymour noted. “Our domestic house cat is not meant to be living in the wild, uncared for by humans and procreating. Unfortunately, being a feral cat exposes them to humans who may see them as a nuisance.”
Seymour called for greater community awareness and support to protect these vulnerable animals and highlighted the importance of initiatives like spaying and neutering to manage the feral cat population effectively.
As Marmalade begins his recovery, the rescue community continues to advocate for the well-being of all animals, hoping to prevent such incidents in the future.
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