Rose was brought to Tabby’s Place from a New Jersey shelter where her time had run out.Rose was 10 years old and, so, was often overlooked by adopters in favor of younger cats.We were very happy that a spot opened up for dear Rose in time to save her from euthanasia.

Because of her age, our vet did complete blood work on Rose, which showed that Rose was hyperthyroid.Hyperthyroidism is a common disease of older cats and is caused by overactivity of the thyroid glands, which control the body’s metabolic rate.Untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to other serious, even fatal, diseases.Fortunately, hyperthyroidism is easily treated by the administration of a small pill twice per day.

During her quarantine period, we noted that Rose had chronic diatrrhea.After trying many medications, we determined that she had inflammatory bowel diesease.IBD describes a group of chronic gastrointestinal disorders, characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract. The cause of IBD is unknown, but many researchers suspect that it is an auto-immune disease. We had been having great success with several other IBD cats by feeding them a prescription diet that is actually intended to manage diabetes. (We believe that the high fiber content of the diet is very helpful in controlling the IBD.)The diet had controlled completely the symptoms for our other IBD cats.So, we moved Rose into the Special Needs Suite (where we house several diabetics) to see how she would fare.

Rose has done very well with this diet and has no IBD symptoms.She is also very easy to medicate with her hyperthyroid medication and has been well regulated.Rose is a sweet girl.She is quiet and demure and quite affectionate.She is not overly fond of the other cats in her suite, but she gets along with them.

We hope that some kind person will notice Rose and adopt her.But, until that time, please sponsor Rose and help us to care for her.