Happy belated Valentine’s Day, big-hearted friends.

Another month blazes by, and you’re sending megadoses of love to the cats who need you most. Specifically, a certain shy guy named Shifty is grateful to be your Valentine this year.

Shifty first came to Tabby’s Place last spring. Although he was part of our TNR program, it was immediately clear there was no way we could “R” this old boy. This is part of what makes Tabby’s Place’s TNR work unique, a labor of love that’s only possible through your generosity; when we meet a cat like Shifty who is too old, frail or ailing to safely return outdoors post-neuter, we give him a haven right here at Tabby’s Place. Our guiding star is always a cat’s best interest. In Shifty’s case, compassion meant keeping him at the sanctuary.

So what’s Shifty’s story? In addition to being a cat of a certain age (eleven-ish, we estimate), this bashful old boy has dreadful dental issues. Shortly after his arrival, we diagnosed Shifty with stomatitis, a painful condition causing inflammation in the mouth. Shifty’s case was so severe, we needed to extract most of his teeth.

Alas, that wasn’t enough to free our boy from pain. Shifty continued drooling excessively, and it was heartbreaking to watch him struggling to pick up his food. We treated Shifty with steroids, in the hope that their anti-inflammatory magic would bring some relief.

Through it all, Shifty was stoic and sweet as syrup…with his own species, at least. Shifty adores his neighbors, often found cuddled close with Smokehouse or Fluffy. Truth be told, handsome Shifty isn’t so sure about humans yet. Much as we yearn to mush his marvelous face, we’ll give him all the time and patience he needs. After all, Shifty spent a decade without human handling, so letting us love him won’t happen overnight.

Especially not when he’s in agony.

Despite our vet team’s faithful treatment, Shifty continued to suffer. So finally, we sedated him for a deep examination. Our vet diagnosed him with Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis (FCGS). A poorly-understood disease, FCGS causes drooling and bleeding gums. Researchers are working to find the cause and best treatment for Shifty’s condition. It appears that cats like Shifty are actually having a reaction to the plaque on their own teeth, bacteria in their mouths, and/or a viral component; their bodies are basically attacking their mouths.

For now, the most effective known treatment for kitties like Shifty is extraction of the teeth, combined with steroid treatment. In dear Shifty’s case, we’ve already extracted the teeth and root tips, and continue steroid treatment as needed. As of this update, Shifty has an appointment with a dental specialist to evaluate other options. If there is any way to free this courageous cat from a constant battle with pain, we’ll find it. It’s the least we can do for one we love so much.

Dear sponsors, I hope you’ll take a moment now and reflect on how amazing you are. You’re making it possible for Shifty, a weary old cat who most of the world would write off as “just a stray,” to receive tender, world-class treatment. If not for you and Tabby’s Place, Shifty would likely struggle with severe pain all his life. Instead, he’s finding love, comfort, and a happy, sunny haven of his own.

Thank you, dear ones. You are the truest of Valentines.