“Giselle” is the most challenging cat to place, but don’t tell her that!
A blind 2-year-old munchkin cat beset by nerve and joint pain and other maladies has captured hearts at the MSPCA-Angell’s Boston adoption center, and the staff is doubling down efforts to find the perfect home for the special needs feline.
MSPCA-Angell
Giselle is living in a foster home to spare her the anxiety of life in the animal shelter.
Giselle, who is so small she nearly fits in the palm of one hand, was covered in matted fur and suffering from a lung infection when on Sept. 13 she was surrendered to the shelter. She is also being treated for possible nerve and joint pain—the source of which remains a mystery to the assemblage of specialty veterinarians who have so far examined her.
“There’s so much about this cat that is so compelling, despite her significant health issues, which we hopefully can control through medication and lifestyle,” said Alyssa Krieger, who manages operations at the Jamaica Plain adoption center. “This is a cat who deserves the very best home—and we need that special adopter to step forward.”
The MSPCA has even created an Instagram account—@RealStumpyCat—which includes photos and videos chronicling Giselle’s time in the adoption center.
Full of Life—and Love
Giselle’s pain is controlled through medication, which may need to be continued for her entire life. And because she cannot see or manage stairs, she would need to be confined to a single story. The shelter staff reports that she would do best with an individual or family with a consistent routine and, if her new family already has four-legged pets at home, all the better.
“She loves cats and it’s been so rewarding for our team to provide her the simple pleasure of time with other animals during her stay in a foster home,” said Krieger, who believes Giselle relates so well to animals that the companionship provided by other pets can only help her feel better in time.
Not for Every Adopter
Still, taking on a cat like Giselle will be a challenge—and can be expensive. “We’re committed to Giselle because we know she can lead a happy and semi-normal life,” added Krieger. “We’re just so hopeful that her story motivates that special adopter who wants nothing more than to safeguard a cat most would view as ‘broken,’ and who will reciprocate with unconditional love and years of companionship.”
Giselle arrived unspayed but the staff reports that her spay in the shelter clinic went well. She remains on antibiotics to clear up her lung infection and, once follow-up x-rays show that has healed, will be ready to go home. Readers interested in learning more about her can contact adoption@mspca.org.