Extreme weather takes its toll
/Saskatchewan has been experiencing extremely cold weather and it’s taking a toll on cats and kittens left outdoors to fend for themselves.
In the past month, Regina Cat Rescue (RCR) has been called upon to aid three cats suffering from severe frostbite resulting in amputations, and sadly, euthanasia.
Chris recovers in his foster home following surgery to amputate one paw, three toes on another paw and his tail.
Sixteen-week-old Chris was found abandoned outdoors in a Regina bedroom community. He was discovered by a concerned family who contacted RCR for help. Chris arrived in RCR's care on Dec. 23 and was immediately taken to the vet to determine the extent of the frostbite. In the days that followed, the damage caused by frostbite became evident and surgery was needed to remove his rear left paw, three digits on his rear right paw and his tail. He also lost parts of his ears. It will be a long road to recovery for Chris, but he's a young, resilient and sweet kitten who is doing well in RCR foster care.
Tippy needs surgery to remove his tail due to severe frostbite.
Tippy was found alone behind a Regina restaurant on Dec. 26. This sweet and playful boy suffered severe frostbite to his tail and surgery is needed to remove part of the damaged appendage. His surgery is scheduled for this week and after the 14-week-old cutie has had a chance to recover in foster care, he will be ready for adoption.
Lyra crossed the rainbow bridge in December.
Sadly, Lyra was not so fortunate. It was one of the coldest days Saskatchewan has experienced in the last two years when she was found tied in a garbage bag at a rural landfill. Once in RCR’s care, volunteers and the veterinary team worked together to do what they could for this sweet and loving girl, but as the overwhelming extent of the frostbite became evident it was clear that the best RCR could do for Lyra was to ensure she didn’t suffer any more. Lyra was euthanized with an RCR volunteer at her side on Dec. 15. In her short time in RCR's care, Lyra made a lasting impact on the volunteers who knew her and she is missed.
-Rachel
