AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION
CARSON, 6 weeks old: Carson was a stray kitten found in the rear parking lot of an office building.
When he was spotted a few days before, he ran for the bushes. But on the day he was rescued, he was lying very still on the pavement, not moving at all. His rescuer feared the worst.
Carson was rushed to the local Emergency Veterinary Hospital, where he was found to have severe flea anemia. His blood loss was so great that he needed an immediate blood transfusion.
Carson was put on fluids (the pink tape is holding his IV catheter in place), and given round-the-clock care. He was one very sick kitten. The amount of red blood cells in the total blood volume of a normal cat is about 40%. If that number drops to 20%, a blood transfusion is needed immediately. Carson's red blood cell amount was 8%.
It was touch and go with Carson. Besides being anemic, he was also severely underweight. At 6 weeks old, he was just 1 pound. For 5 days, Carson was hospitalized -- hooked up to IV's and given fluids 24 hours a day, being hand fed a special high-protein diet. And, through it all, he purred.
CARSON, 7 weeks old: Finally, Carson was strong enough to go to a foster home. He would still need to be medicated and looked after very carefully, but he was out of the hospital -- and, hopefully, out of the woods. Carson would survive!
Carson is growing and getting better quickly in his foster home. He is confined to the bathroom, but it's a lot better than a cage (or out on the streets). His foster family gives him lots of attention, and he responds with lots of purring!
CARSON, 8 weeks old: Carson now weighs 1-1/2 pounds. Still a little on the thin side, he has a good appetite and will catch up quickly. He loves to play with his toys, and thinks his foster mom's toes are especially fun!
CARSON, 8 weeks old: Now a playful, happy (and healthy) boy!
CARSON, 8 weeks old: What a happy, playful boy!
Sadly, at 11 weeks old, CARSON tested positive for Feline Leukemia. Since this is highly contagious to other cats (but not people or dogs), he must be kept in isolation.
Although CARSON tested positive for Feline Leukemia, he shows no symptoms at all. He appears to be the picture of health.
CARSON is a happy, playful 11-week-old kitten.
11-week-old CARSON having fun.
CARSON, 3-1/2 months old: Still just as cute as ever!
CARSON, 5 months old: Carson DEFINITELY does not want to be a frog for Halloween.
CARSON, 5-1/2 months old: Carson's favorite toy is toes!!
CARSON is now 7-1/2 months old and what a handsome boy he is! He is still healthy and showing no symptoms of Feline Leukemia.
7-1/2 month old CARSON is a gorgeous brown tabby with black stripes. He is a big boy with thick, soft fur. He is a purring machine.
CARSON, 7-1/2 months old: Carson spends most days in a mesh crate in the middle of the living room. He has no direct contact with the other cats, but at least he still feels likes he's part of the family,
CARSON, 9-1/2 months old: Carson is turning into a very, very handsome cat.
CARSON, 9-1/2 months old: He is still very playful and loving.