Throughout her entire existence, a feline had been surviving on the streets until a compassionate gentleman rescued her and realized that she was visually impaired.
In the Bronx, New York, there is a kind-hearted animal carer named Juan who takes care of the stray and feral cats in his neighborhood. He ensures that they are well-fed and healthy, and also makes an effort to get them spayed and neutered with the assistance of local rescues. One of the regulars at his daily feedings is a calico cat named Belladonna, who nobody realized was blind because she managed to navigate the alleyways using her other senses. However, Juan eventually discovered that Belladonna had no sight and reached out for help from Little Wanderers NYC to get her off the streets. He also noticed that she was losing weight rapidly around the same time.
Little Wanderers NYC reported that Belladonna was picked up by their rescuer who saw her struggling with anemia, but adjusting to her new life indoors. Unfortunately, a few weeks later, her health declined rapidly and she was diagnosed with Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). The rescue organization shared that she wouldn’t have survived much longer if she continued living as a stray.
Little Wanderers NYC made a strong commitment to ensure Belladonna’s life was the best it could be. Collaborating with the FIP warrior community, they discovered successful remedies for the calico. Suzy, who rescued Belladonna, went the extra mile and drove a long distance to obtain emergency medication to start her treatment right away.
A short while ago, Suzy found herself on the floor of an emergency vet clinic, cradling Belladonna in her arms as she struggled to eat. The cat’s muscles had wasted away, leaving her frail and weak. However, it’s amazing what a few days of care and attention can do. Now, Belladonna is up on her feet and exploring her surroundings with curiosity. She’s even seeking out affection and cuddles from her human companions. Despite being estimated to be around 10 years old and missing a few teeth, Belladonna is still a champion when it comes to eating and has regained much of her strength. Her legs are now much more stable, and she looks like the happy, healthy cat she was always meant to be.
The adorable calico cat is always seeking affection and will readily approach her owner whenever they beckon. She relishes head rubs and basking in the warmth of sun rays. Suzy expressed her delight in observing the cat’s charming facial features as she guided her towards the sunset.
Suzy also shared that Belladonna is highly responsive to her voice and the sound of her clapping or snapping. Despite her blindness, the clever and adaptable feline impressively makes her way around her indoor environment. It is truly fascinating to witness this intelligent and resourceful cat navigate her new surroundings.
I’m always amazed at how gracefully she moves around without ever running into anything or stumbling. Meanwhile, as Belladonna is recovering in foster care, Juan and the team at Little Wanderers NYC are tirelessly rescuing more cats in need. It truly takes a community effort to make a difference in the lives of these animals.
It’s as if my feline friend has transformed into a completely new creature! Since her health has improved, she’s been showing so much more love and affection. It’s delightful to see her enjoy belly rubs and even rub her own head while I’m doing it.
