Update for Olive

Update for Olive

Dear Olive Fans,

Will one of you please explain to me how it is already mid-November? I could swear we were just looking forward to spring, and then I blinked and… well, never mind.

The big news at Tabby’s Place this month, other than our construction going forward, is a ringworm outbreak. We have not had a ringworm outbreak for 14 years, which is a very good record indeed for a cat shelter, but we have one now, and Olive has gotten caught up in it.

Back in a favorite spot, post ringworm quarantine!

A bit of explanation is required here. After all, any kind of outbreak sounds very alarming, especially now. If you do not know about ringworm, it is not a worm at all, but a fungal infection, and one of the most common skin infections in cats worldwide. It can spread very quickly from cat to cat, but luckily there are effective treatments available. Because it is so easy to spread, Tabby’s Place has established very strict protocols for staff and volunteers regarding sanitizing one’s shoes and hands as they go into and out of various suites, wearing gloves, limiting hugs with the cats, and the like. Unfortunately for Olive, she was getting her monthly claw trim (did I mention that some of our staff are much braver than I am?) when a suspicious spot was discovered between two of her rear toes.

Our treatments for ringworm involve quarantining the affected cats (we have one room used only for those diagnosed with ringworm) as well as medication. The medication comes in two forms, oral and topical. The topical is actually a lime-sulfur bath. Yes, a bath. Now, I know what you’re thinking. Olive is not cooperative for much of anything the staff has to do to her, so how can we expect her to put up with a bath? Amazingly enough, no humans have been harmed during Olive’s baths; she’s been much better than expected for them.

Getting a few chin scratches and lots of love while in ringworm quarantine.

It takes time for ringworm to clear up. We take cultures from cats who have had ringworm, and they must have three cultures come back negative before we’ll let them out of ringworm quarantine. But there are a couple of silver linings here. For starters, Olive doesn’t need to wear a diaper while in quarantine, and we know she approves of that. In addition, she might be able to lose a little weight. While you wouldn’t think it to look at her, she’s heavier than she should be, thanks to her habit of sneaking treats and kibble provided for the other lobby residents. But while she’s quarantined, we can make sure she gets only the food she should.

I wish I knew how to express my thanks to you for your support of Olive. It sounds so trite just to say I’m grateful when that sentiment appears on dinner napkins these days. But the truth is that we could not help our Special Needs felines the way we do without your caring, without your generosity, without your willingness to look beyond your needs and wants. For that, I extend my heartfelt appreciation. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and don’t save any turkey for Olive, no matter what she tells you!

Your correspondent,
Stephanie

(PS: Olive was released from ringworm quarantine on November 10th–yay! To see her return announced, click here.)