Tomche was estimated by the vet to be around 6 years old. His feeder has been feeding him for around a year so we don’t know previous history of where he came from. He was not hesitant to enter the trap and was trapped within days of us dropping it off. He had a terrible ruptured abscess of his face/neck area that was cleaned and sutured up today as well as his neuter surgery. He tested positive for FIV which is actually quite common for intact adult male cats on the street sadly. It’s typically transmitted through deep bite wounds, and intact males are territorial and fight. This could likely be why he has an injury as well. The vet communicated he has a number of broken teeth and advised dentistry. At his age and given his status, we’re not surprised.

Tomche’s feeder had initially contacted a larger local rescue for help with him, but was referred to 311. 311 connects to TAS who will typically euthanize injured cats who they assess to be feral. However, ironically, because his feeder connected with us we were able to utilize resources via TAS where he received his viral test as well as bloodwork (results pending) and remain with us. Thanks to TAS for these services.

After picking him up from the vet on Monday (4/20) he’s been given Zylkene plus for stress relief and a dose of gabapentin for pain relief. He’s eaten kibbles right in front of us. On Tuesday morning he didn’t mind his head being touched while he was eating his breakfast containing stress and pain relief. Tomche will need follow up vet care for his sutures, as well as dental surgery for oral pain relief and increased quality of life. We’ve opened a file for him at Kahu Animal Hospital. We are monitoring him closely in case he needs follow up care or increased pain management sooner.

We couldn’t say “no” when we saw the images of his wound especially considering he’s a block away and we have the traps and the knowledge to guide his feeder to secure him, and a positive working relationship with the TAS feral cat clinic where he has access to sterilization and start treatment of the ruptured abscess. Tomche’s feeder has been feeding him for approximately one year. He hasn’t behaved as a “feral” cat with us since being here in the sense that he’s not fractious or aggressive. But we haven’t given him a reason to be defensive, as we go slowly and quietly. Our guess is that he may have been left behind in the neighbourhood by an irresponsible owner who never bothered to get him fixed. He became subject to sustaining himself off handouts and went into survival mode, competing with another intact male cat in the same neighbourhood (we are working on a plan for him). Tomche likely behaved as a feral cat because he had reverted into survival mode. Tomche has been absolutely ravenous with food and we’ve been able to slip him meds and supplements without him noticing so far. This is indicative that food resources have been scarce for him on the street. He’s also been seen simply relaxing in his space, and his body posture shows he feels safe. He may not have had this type of safe comfort in a long time. He likely just needs time to decompress, continue vet care, and rehabilitate from living in full survival mode.

Tomche needs Zylkene for Cats, Feliway refills, treats/yummy snacks we can mix meds into, pellet litter, pee pads. To send gifts please visit Amazon wish list (link on our website).

Please consider sending supplies for Tomche, or chip in towards his vet care. We appreciate your continued support!