Catz Jazz is an all-volunteer 501(c)3 (nonprofit) Texas-based cat rescue group established by dedicated individuals on a mission to save cats from area kill shelters that have been passed over, who have absolutely no chance of adoption and are going to be put to sleep, or cats who have survived an EMERGENCY rescue and otherwise neglected, homeless and unwanted cats who are in hopeless situations without our help.
Our work often includes assisting special needs cats with handicaps or disabilities that require a little extra TLC, a bit more energy and a higher financial expense. But that doesn’t make them any less desirable.
All cats are great life teachers, but living with Special Needs Cats have taught us one of the most important lessons in life: appreciate the little things and this moment now.
Special Needs Cats have a meaningful place in the lives of humans because they teach us that love has no limitations. They demonstrate the unique ability cats have to overcome what we humans would consider as “disabilities,” and handle diseases and physical and emotional setbacks with amazing resilience and acceptance; certainly, lessons we can all benefit from.
Seal is just one cat with a handicap who we have had the honour of befriending. After having been found in a ditch alongside a road, where she had pulled herself off the road after a hit and run, Seal, who was already extremely thin and quite dehydrated, was rushed to a clinic by Catz Jazz. The attending veterinarian examined Seal and told us that because Seal had managed to pull herself into the ditch, this little kitten was showing what a strong will she had early on to survive; by getting herself off the road and out of harm’s way, she showed she wanted to live.
We were told by the animal medical team that Seal had lay in the ditch for AT LEAST A DAY, but probably longer.
Fluids and food were a priority after which the vet examined Seal to assess the extent of her injuries. The injuries were bad. She had several areas of road rash, had suffered a severe inguinal hernia, her tail tissue was dying from nerve damage and x-rays revealed a broken back, both rear legs broken, and she also suffered numerous breaks throughout her body.
This cat still lived and somehow managed to not only pull herself off the road, but also hang on long enough for someone to find her… This was so much for her little body to handle, and being only a very young cat when this happened, we were and still deeply affected and amazed at the indomitable will of this cat.
The willpower that this cat has is incredibly inspiring, her willpower gave her strength, which in turn, gave us willpower to help her, and the energy of that strength has the possibility to keep living on, if only people would have it… And so we are only too happy to share her story with others in hopes that they will too be inspired to re-think their position on the spirit of overcoming obstacles through the power of will.
Upon consulting with a surgeon we were told that Seal’s back was irreparable due to the passage of time. Surgery was performed to repair the hernia, spay her and the decision was made to amputate her tail since it was already becoming brittle as a result of the dying tissue and nerve damage and would only get worse if left intact. Seal came through the surgeries like a champ (unlike her foster mom who was a wreck the whole time)!
Due to the severity of her initial hernia injury, her bladder does leak and she is incontinent, and most likely will be a lifelong issue for her, and she does occassionally suffer from skin rashes which gives her thinning hair, but even with these issues she has handled this whole ordeal so well that anytime we are in Seal’s presence, we are quite honoured for sharing her company; this is truly a cat that has a meaningful place in the lives of the humans that love her.
Cats with disabilities or special needs are often lost among the many adoptable healthy ones. Because of our work with special needs cats, we are often asked to take in cats with certain disabilities into our rescue. Special needs cats will likely stay with us indefinitely and never find an adopter, leaving us as their primary caregivers, typically needing on-going medicine and more TLC than others. The level of this undertaking is a big responsibility and we will always help if we can, but we cannot be a success without the community’s help.
You can derive priceless rewards by sponsoring or making a donation to a special needs cat, and we hope you consider the special cats at Catz Jazz that could benefit greatly from a one-time or monthly donation by you. Sometimes there are cats with special conditions or diseases that are expensive to treat but are worth the additional assistance! Your one-time or monthly donations will go towards paying for medications, veterinary treatment, supplies and prescription food these cats need to maintain a quality life!
If you are interested in sponsoring with a medical bill sponsorship, or can make a one-time donation right now of any amount, we would be very grateful as every bit counts towards providing the care necessary to improve the lives of neglected, abandoned and abused animals with special needs. You can donate at http://www.catzjazz.org/donate/ and we will be happy to list you as a sponsor on our website. What a wonderful way to make a difference in the life of a cat in need.
To find out more about our special needs cats please visit us @ www.catzjazz.org