Desi is a cat who beckons to be talked to and petted at first sight.He has big yellow Bambi eyes set on a backdrop of incredibly soft dark grey and white fur, with a distinct black-colored nose marking.Although he might look like a “scaredy cat” he is most wanting of a nice petting once he gets to know you.After that, he’ll purr loudly, nudge his head at you for more attention, and do his best to be your buddy. When Desi, who is about 6 years old, arrived at Tabby’s Place, he was diagnosed with both a heart murmur and the beginning stages of HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy). HCM is the most common kind of heart disease in cats, in which some of the heart’s walls become thickened, which can impair the function of the heart.Desi’s case of HCM is very mild at this time and he does not require any medication. What he does require is careful monitoring and an expensive ultrasound every 6 months to determine if there are any changes in his condition.

Not long after his arrival, Desi began to lose weight seemingly for no reason. During a routine examination, his gums were checked and he was diagnosed with severe gingivitis. Upon further scrutiny, he was found to have stomatitis, an auto immune disease of the gums and lining of the mouth and throat. The exact cause is unknown. In an effort to thwart this disease, Desi had a few teeth removed to no avail, then a few more teeth, and finally his canines came out and he no longer has any teeth at all. Without his teeth, Desi will no longer develop plaque, and this, combined with anti-viral drug treatment, has helped to stabilize the disease. He is also on a special hypoallergenic diet. His mouth tissue, though it will never be normal, is in much better shape now.

Although Desi has been known to be aggressive with other cats, he seems to have found his long lost love in his suitemate, Anastasia. Ana, an endearing grey and black tabby, is also on the hypoallergenic diet, and the pairing couldn’t be better. The two can often be found snuggled up together in a cozy spot. Perhaps in a former life Ana’s name was Lucy!Desi is such an affectionate and friendly cat that we hope you will consider sponsoring him. He has many special needs, and your support will help us to provide him with the special diet, medicine and veterinary care so crucial to him.