In 2018, my husband and I rescued a cat who had been left behind when his owners moved away. They didn’t neuter him, didn’t vaccinate him and simply abandoned him to fend for himself. He was a young, unaltered male, pacing the porch of the empty house, meowing for the family that had vanished.
We tried everything food, treats, gentle coaxing but he
wouldn’t come near us. We set humane traps and caught a raccoon, a possum, even
a fox. But not the cat. It wasn’t until after a brutal street fight that we
found him, bloodied and dazed, at the side of the road. We rushed him to the
emergency vet.
He had bite wounds across his body, deep facial
scratches, blood in his eyes, and a ruptured eardrum. The vet suspected a head
injury. We treated him with antibiotics and stitches, and while his external
wounds healed, the internal ones never did. He was diagnosed with FIV (feline
immunodeficiency virus), and his vision and hearing were permanently
compromised.
We named him Buddy.
Buddy sways when he walks. His depth perception is off.
He struggles to get down from the sofa or his scratching post. Because of his
disabilities, we knew he couldn’t be adopted out. He needed vigilant, lifelong
care and we committed to giving it.
We eventually socialize him with Sam, our other FIV
cat. Now both cats are part of our family.
Now, at age 9, Buddy has entered end-of-life care. He’s
developed kidney disease, and we’re doing everything we can to support him. For
an FIV-positive cat, this feels like a short life especially when our Siamese
lived to 18. I believe Buddy’s decline stems from the neglect he endured in his
early years: no sterilization, no vaccines, no protection.
He fought to survive. And in that fight, he contracted
FIV.
Buddy’s Nutrition:
Supporting a Fragile Body with Holistic Care
As Buddy’s health declined, we knew his nutrition had
to do more than just sustain him it had to support his immune system, gut
health, and overall vitality. Prescription kidney diets didn’t feel right for
him. Instead, we chose a holistic approach that honors his individuality and
needs.
We feed Buddy Solid Gold Indigo Moon, a gluten-
and grain-free dry kibble crafted for kittens and adult cats alike. It’s ideal
for active or immunocompromised cats thanks to its:
- 42% crude protein from cage-free
chicken and whole eggs, supporting muscle tone and metabolism
- Low carbohydrate and high fiber content to
ease digestion
- Prebiotics and live probiotics that nurture
gut flora and bolster immune function
- Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, antioxidants,
and superfoods that promote coat health and cellular resilience
This food has made a visible difference. Buddy’s coat
is no longer dull. He’s gained weight. He’s more alert and engaged. For a cat
with FIV and kidney disease, that’s a small miracle.
We also supplement his diet with Wellness canned
food, which includes prebiotics and probiotics to further support his
digestion and immunity. Together, these choices reflect our belief that
nutrition is not just about survival it’s about dignity, comfort, and love.
Buddy may sway when he walks. His depth perception may
be off. But he’s still here. Still loved. And still fighting.
Why We Tell Buddy’s
Story
I will never understand why people abandon their cats
when they move. Why they think a housecat will know where to go for food,
shelter, or how to protect themselves from predators. Buddy’s story is a
reminder: abandonment is not just cruel it’s catastrophic.
Housecats don’t know how to survive on the streets.
They don’t know how to fight off predators or disease. And they shouldn’t have
to.
Buddy deserved better. Now, he has it.
