It is 5,059 miles from Istanbul, Turkey to Ringoes, New Jersey.
For astonishing Anka, it wasn’t an inch too far.
Anka looks like a magical creature from a faraway land, and his journey has been equally fantastical. The phenomenally fluffy feline was enjoying life in Istanbul until he was struck by a car and suffered a devastating spinal injury. His rescuers selflessly provided for Anka to have surgery, but to no avail; the gentle, green-eyed cat was paralyzed.
Young, healthy, and overflowing with love, Anka should have been just starting a long and happy life. Now, it seemed his journey might be over all too soon.
But there were angels working for Anka on both sides of the Atlantic.
Anka’s Turkish rescuers worked with generous friends in Manhattan to transport the courageous cat. After a flight across the sea, Anka received world-class care from a veterinary neurologist, who confirmed everyone’s fears: he would never walk again.
Permanently paraplegic, Anka needed a sanctuary that could provide for all his medical needs and give him a whole lifetime of love. And so, Anka’s angels reached out to our weird, wonderful crew Casa Tabby. After fourteen years and nine previous paraplegics (shout out to Bagheera, Tashi, Dot, d’Artagnan, June, Olive, Tigger, Linda and Pixie), we were ready for our Big #10. (More on that bountiful bigness in a moment.)
Like all his friends from Istanbul to the Big Apple, were whole-soul-smitten with Anka. There is no resisting his power and presence, so you may as well melt into Turkish delight from the get-go.
Everything about Anka is lavish, from his flowing mane to his gleeful affection to his massive, magnificent body. Honestly, he’s such an extraordinary cat that we think he may well be adopted. But, it will take an equally extraordinary family to provide for his needs. Like his paraplegic predecessors, Anka is unable to use the litter box and needs to have his bladder and bowels expressed three times each day.
A cat of uncommon courage, Anka has no sense that anything is wrong or different about him. He has inspired admirers over an 8,000 kilometer span, and now he wants your heart, too. Click on over to become one of Anka’s first sponsors, joining a long line of international saints and angels.
Istanbul was Constantinople; now its Istanbul, not Constantinople. But, much more importantly, it’s forever in our hearts and our gratitude for saving one astonishing Anka. Teşekkr ederim, friends!
What a precious teddy bear of a cat. Tabby’s Place is certainly the place for this lucky boy to land – a place of love and shelter – forever, if need be. Happy Anniversary, Tabby’s Place. 14 wonderful years! All the cats – Cherney to Anka – and all of us fans – say Thank You.
P.S. Love the picture of Anka on the Home Page!