Nobody wants an unclear diagnosis. When it comes to cats, there is one very clear diagnosis that absolutely nobody wants. Before we get there, caveat. There are quite very many diagnoses we’d take a hard pass on. But, in caring for cats whose situations were once seemingly hopeless, Tabby’s Place persons have been witness to many diagnoses that have created all kinds of challenges. Think of it. So far, more than 5,000 felines have, since the beginning, become Tabby’s Place cats. In many cases, the cats became residents due to diagnoses that other caregivers were unable to manage. Thankfully, the Linda Fund is well-funded through the enormously generous donations of our donors, who love beyond all measure (WE ADORE OUR DONORS!!!).
So, Tabby’s Place is filled to the rafters with felines hosting a heap of healthcare needs. There is paraplegia aplenty, gastrointestinal ghastliness galore, and loads of more and less alliterative challenges bugaboo-ing the cats throughout the Place of Places. But, there is one diagnosis that is singular in being a source of frustration, heebie-jeebies (that is the technical term), and focused, hyper-cleansing along with extremes of the most caringest, carefullest of care. And it all comes down to opportunistic, microscopic spores. Yes, it is the dreaded ringworm (Not a worm.). A very few, very wee spores set loose in the home of cats with autoimmune disorders, cancers, advanced ages, and more can unleash a typhoon of trouble. Being such a place as the ark that Jonathan built, there are protocols for those unfortunate times when ringworm signs appear.
Fairly recently and breaking our hearts, pixie-nibbled FIV+ Chester succumbed to the feckless fungus. Protocols were initiated. Most intensive cleanings commenced. Footbaths were fittingly placed. Gowning procedures were initiated. Outreach programs were paused. Volunteers were instructed to adhere to very specific, limited visiting and enrichment. Regular checks of all feline residents were implemented. And, then, LO! Clifford (Not a big red dog.), that FeLV+ sweetie who lives in a bubble (the Quinn’s Corner lobby) all by himself (His sweetness is restricted to humans.) was found to have the dreaded tell-tale signs. Ringworm respects no boundaries, not even the double-entried area that separates the felvies from the rest of the population. How rude!
Aside from further breaking our hearts, Clifford’s joining Chester in being diabolically attacked by mindless microbes resulted in protocols being expanded (More cleaning. More footbaths.). Of course, the cats continue to be checked and rechecked with no sign of further incursions. Yet, there are no shortages of momentary heart stoppages. How a heartbeat skips because of a missing tiny tuft of fur! For the record, Deku does not have ringworm, but he does have an itty bitty bald patch upon his pate. Whence it came he has not said. The relief, nevertheless, is as palpable as a welcoming, warm tummy.
Despite the despicable affliction inflicted upon our two most cherished cats (each and every Tabby’s Place cat is the very most cherished of them all), the sanctum sanctorum is largely operating as usual. Although cleaning and care protocols continue at full force, limitations to socializing are easing. We, the people, are breathing a wee bit more easily too (no thanks to Deku’s fuzzy shenanigans.). And, the cats? The cats solemnly swear that they are up to no good, excepting that they are nothing except good. Currently, the in-house number is pushing hard against 150 and the fostered are somewhat shy of 40 (Caveat: The kittens are coming!). Although there are so many of them, the cats of Tabby’s Place are footloose and, mostly, diaper-free, which in Willow’s case is often the case when it should not be. Chaos is tenacious. Ringworm is GAH! But, the Medical Department and all other hands are on deck to ensure that order rules the day each and every day.
So, operations continue to purr along at Tabby’s Place. All of the staff and volunteers know what to do and do it daily. Besides the very much behind the scenes activity, at the front of the scenes everyone is prepared to jump into action. The Adoptions Team is ready to meet with hopeful adopters and to make introductions. The Volunteer Department is on toe-tips awaiting applications from future volunteers. Tour guides are alert and eager to meet individuals who sign up for visits or who drop in to learn more about the cats, the space, and the people who keep chaos at bay. Plan a day to come see Tabby’s Place. Diagnosis: YAY!