My name is Taco Gato/Cat!

I have a sweet senior gal who has a history she keeps to herself, but this is what I know. About 6 years ago I moved into my apartment and started to notice the outside (feral) cat population. I started to rescue the kittens and a neighbor and I began TNRing the cats. 

 

Right away I noticed this precious kitty was more timid and reserved and seemed to want attention but was very scared. Over time I have gained her trust and I and my daughter were both able to pet and hold her, on her terms, when she wanted. She would rub on us and actively show affection. Over the years I noticed she had on and off URIs and would stay away or hidden often.

 

This year I was very worried because her fur was matted (which is odd because she is short haired and that usually doesn’t happen), oily and very dirty (a sign she was not taking care of herself), she was loosing weight and  less affectionate. I wasn’t sure she would make it through this coming winter so I had to do something. I ended up being able to get her into a vet bill pay program for feral cats, so I put her into a carrier on August 1st and took her to the vet they recommended on August 2nd, where bloodwork and a urinalysis were done as well as a full exam. She was fully vaccinated, given flea medicine as well as getting her fur cleaned and mats shaved. The vet informed me that Taco is estimated to be about 10 years old and she had severe teeth/dental issues that should be addressed. Her test results all came back normal except that she was anemic but that was most likely due to the fleas she had long term. It was recommended to run bloodwork again in a month to be sure. 

 

Over the next few weeks she gradually stop eating. On September 3rd I finally raised enough money for a rescue discount (through a vet compassionate person even though they could not take her in). Another full exam was done and as well as bloodwork and antibiotics given due the severity of her dental condition. Her bloodwork again came back normal and she was no longer anemic. So on September 5th she had almost all of her teeth removed. Since then she has a great appetite…eating pate and gravy based foods well. She has gained weight and is doing great. 

 

Taco is still a little reserved and cautious but comfortable overall. She needs time to adjust to new people but seems to be coming out of her shell more and more. She is still learning how to be “a pet” and what she likes and is comfortable with. She loves pets and chin scratches but is learning that being held is ok and lap sits are good. 

 

She has another female roommate at the moment and she growls at her sometimes BUT there is NO aggression and they lay near each and co-exist closely. So as long as they are introduced properly, I think she could live with another cat. I feel she would do great in a quiet home. Kids should be fine if they are older and pet savvy. I’m not sure about dogs, but I think it would be ok if the dog is calm and introduced correctly.

 

Please adopt Taco Gato/Cat.