Hope, Love & Commitment: Cinder's Story

Some days, all you hope for is answers.

Found on the side of the road at only six days old, this little baby was immediately placed with one of our expert neonate fosters. Cinder was kept warm, monitored round-the-clock, and fed regularly.

Many pets have some amount of GI upset when they come to us, whether from worms or other parasites or a lack of proper nutrition. But why did Cinder always have a bloated belly yet struggle to gain weight, even with parasite treatment and regular, healthy meals?

Our vet team administered additional dewormers and probiotics, and we modified his diet, but nothing seemed to help.

Then he simply stopped having bowel movements.

During a thorough vet exam, we discovered old, hardened fecal matter trapped in Cinder’s system.

The vet removed the feces and now the real diagnostic work must begin.

Blood work.
X-rays.
A visit to a specialist in Olympia.

Every test leads to us to believe that Cinder has megacolon, a condition in which the nerves of the colon do not contract properly, leading to the colon becoming enlarged and unable to push fecal matter into the rectum.


Cinder gets a warm bath to clean and soothe his upset booty.

And that is only one of Cinder’s challenges.

He’s also dealing with bilateral cryptorchidism, the failure of the testicles to descend into the scrotum, a condition that affects fewer than two percent of cats.

The issue of his bloated belly is still a mystery.

This is a story of hope, love and commitment.

While we continue to push for answers, we are grateful that Cinder is responding very well to medications, a special diet and phenomenal care from his foster.

Since Cinder came to us in September, everyone who meets him absolutely falls in love. This guy is a character! 
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Cinder is a wild child, full of energy and life. He loves to play with his toys and his big sister Daisy, the family lab. He’s a tormentor in the best possible way, grooming his foster family by chewing their hair and taunting Daisy with swats and sassy play.

He loves to watch the family’s rabbit and will jump into the bunny pen to steal toys. And when he has finally worn himself out, you’ll find him snuggled in the arms of his favorite people.

VIDEO: Cinder Playing

Cinder’s condition is quite serious, and without proper care, he could experience tremendous suffering.

This little ball of fire has completely captured our hearts! We will continue to search for answers. And in the meantime, Cinder will receive the best possible care by people who truly adore him.

DONATE NOW

With your generosity, we’re able to provide care for special pets like Cinder, including diagnostic tests, medications and visits with specialists.

We believe that every animal deserves a chance to live their life to the fullest.

Because of you, Cinder is a happy, playful guy who is receiving the greatest care.

Thank you for helping us save lives.