On Thursday morning, as I was getting some tea at 7/11, I met a beautiful friendly dog I had never seen before.
So obviously, I stopped to say hi. He was hanging out with a dog I know, from little Brownie’s pack (most likely her father – I want to get him sterilised, but he’s very skittish so I’m working on gaining his trust).
I had some dog food in my scooter, so I gave them some. The new dog let me come close, and I was able to check his ears: tattooed. Neutered male looking healthy. I posted online in a Thai animal group with pictures and location. Translation isn’t always great, but I think someone said they thought the dog had an owner. He had beautiful white teeth, so I think he was quite young. (I’ve been pre-approved to post in that group, which made me feel kind of special, as it’s a Thai group).
While I took him to the side to feed him, I noticed a cat I had never seen before. In the exact same place where I found Cheeto, Cornflake and Reese’s a few weeks ago. There’s a little restaurant there, so it makes sense that cats are interested in the location.
I didn’t have anything pressing that morning, so I thought I’d get some cat food and a box and take him to the hospital for a checkup. He was easy to catch.
The vet checked him and said she thought he had either FeLV, anemia, or both. Something about the colour of his eyes, nose and gums.
We did the blood test, and she was right.
He’s FeLV positive, like Garfield. I can’t put him back on the street. He needs to be an indoor cat. Either be kept as an only cat or with other FeLV positive cats.
He is indeed anemic and his immune system isn’t great, due to the virus.
He’s been injected with meds to help him stabilise his levels. He hasn’t been vaccinated yet, as the vet thought it would be too many injections, but he will be vaccinated when he’s better. And neutered later on.
He’s now staying at the hospital, in the room across Garfield’s, so we can visit them both together easily. I also started visiting a friend’s cat who is staying at the cat hotel, who is also FeLV positive. She comes from the same market…
My vet told me that another lady brings in cats from the same market and many test positive for FeLV. Apparently, she keeps them at home, but she already has 9 or 10.
I don’t know what we’re going to do with Panda and Garfield. I really hope someone will step up and give them a loving home. I know it’s hard to adopt a cat who’s sick, because we know he’s probably not going to live as long as a healthy cat, and he will cost more money, etc., but I want to believe that there are at least a few kind souls on this island. I’d like to be able to help more animals, so if someone can take over the costs for these two, that would be nice. Maybe people can take turns to sponsor him for a week, two weeks, a month, depending on everyone’s situation.
On Thursday, I spent 3125 baht for Panda (around £70)
I visited him in the afternoon, after leaving him at the hospital in the morning. He seemed pretty settled already. He came to cuddle almost as soon as I sat down in his room. And today, he gave me tons of cuddles and even gave me his belly to rub. He’s incredibly sweet. I’m glad he’s not on the street anymore. I’m going to get him a scratcher. Maybe a couple of toys for both him and Garfield as well.
There was a young cat with him on Thursday morning but he was scared, so I couldn’t approach him. I’ll try again soon. He was white and orange, and most likely a male, but I’d like to make sure asap. If he hangs out with Panda, he might also be FeLV positive.
Thanks to the latest donations, I’m not too stressed about money now, as I can afford paying the bills. It’s really nice to be able to act without having to worry about money. I couldn’t have done what I did this week without help. I would be reluctant to take cats to the hospital, as I know that if they are sick, it would be irresponsible to put them back on the street. I would be too worried about the cost of care.
Soi Dog have informed me that there will be a cat sterilisation mobile unit in Koh Kaew from August 5th to August 16th. I intend to make use of it.