Saffron, a little orange tabby kitten, was in serious need of medical care when one of our volunteers found her and brought her in. She had a severe neck injury and was in critical condition. She was initially treated by a local veterinarian who stabilized her but feared she would have trouble recovering, so we agreed to take her in and do our best to treat her.

When she first arrived at the SAFE Care Clinic, Medical Director Dr. Jennifer started the exam and quickly learned the extent of the injury. Saffron had sustained a deep bite wound to her neck that resulted in a torn trachea. Her windpipe was leaking air into the surrounding tissue, and her entire body was puffed up with air.

The medical team started her on strong pain medications, antibiotics and strict rest while her trachea healed. Even though she was in pain, she purred and kneaded the entire time her wounds were treated. It never ceases to amaze us how resilient cats are and how trusting they are when they know they’re in good hands.

Her injuries were significant, so it took time for her to heal. After six weeks, the fight was finally over, and she was ready to be adopted. During her recovery, she won the hearts of all the staff and volunteers. One volunteer, in particular, felt a deep connection to her. On her first day on the adoption floor, that volunteer adopted her!

Every cat and kitten that comes to SAFE Haven needs our help with something. Some need a new home. Some need minor medical attention and some need life-saving emergency care. While they are with us, we do everything in our power to heal them mentally and physically. We know once they are healed, they will find the amazing, loving home they deserve. Just like little Saffron found her forever home.

Make a difference in a cat’s life! Adopt a cat today!

By Dr. Jennifer Bledsoe-Nix

We all know that kitten season is a busy time for local shelters. But when a kitten needs extra medical attention they are especially at risk. Every spring our team leaps into action preparing the SAFE Care Clinic and SAFE Haven shelter for an influx of new arrivals. Unlike other local shelters, we have a unique ability to take in kitties who need a little extra TLC.

Our staff found three kittens in need of rescue from a partnering local county shelter. Although we were running low on kitten supplies, our team knew we were their only chance. They were covered in fleas and had severe diarrhea, but even as sick as they were, when they first arrived at SAFE Haven they immediately started nuzzling the medical team and purring. They knew they were in good hands and finally going to be safe. We named the three kittens, Chickadee, Cockatoo and Sandpiper.

Chickadee

Diarrhea can quickly cause dangerous dehydration in kittens, so we needed to address it right away. They were started on medication and a high caloric diet with lots of water. Within a few days, the diarrhea started to improve. Things were starting to look up for these kittens, but little did we know the battle wasn’t quite over.

Cockatoo

After they were sent to foster they soon developed upper respiratory infections and had to return to the clinic. They were started on daily medical treatments. Medical Director Dr. Jennifer started treating them with daily fluids, injectable antibiotics and anti-nausea medications. Once the upper respiratory infections started to improve, they developed more GI complications, as if they hadn’t already experienced enough! The medical team never gave up and continued to treat the kittens until they fully recovered. In just a few weeks, all of their symptoms were resolved, and they were finally ready to live their healthy, normal kitten lives!

Sandpiper

Despite all they had been through, with the medical treatments and illnesses, these three little babies were happy and snuggly the whole time! They greeted us each day with purring and nuzzling our hands! It was a long journey but worth all the hard work to see them happy and healthy now, ready for their forever homes!

Here at SAFE Haven for Cats we have the unique ability to rescue kittens in need of extra care. Help us help kittens like Chickadee, Cockatoo and Sandpiper! Become a monthly donor and help us give cats and kittens the care they deserve!

By Dr. Jennifer Bledsoe-Nix

“Earl is not handling the shelter environment well. He needs out very soon.”

This was the plea Granville County Shelter made on their Facebook page on behalf of a big kitty named Earl. SAFE Haven’s Shelter Director Sherri wanted so badly to help but SAFE Haven was full at the time. Earl would have to wait until one or a few of the cats got adopted.

This happens often since there are usually more cats than available space in shelters, especially during kitten season when kittens flood the shelters and get adopted quicker than adults. Fortunately for this big kitty space was freed up shortly after and Sherri was able to bring him back to SAFE Haven where he could begin the next chapter of his life!

Earl was clearly a fun character from his description on the Granville Shelter’s Facebook. “11 pounds of handsome! He’s laid back and ready to be your best buddy!” He was sweet but had a hard time adjusting to the chaotic shelter life. He would greatly benefit from the special care and patience from the SAFE Haven team to help calm his nerves.

Sherri and the other team members wanted to give him a fresh start, so they named him Calvin Klein to better match his handsome swagger. After just a few days, Calvin’s sweet and confident side began to shine as he grew more comfortable and calm with the people and other cats around him. He enjoys petting and playtime and is currently waiting for the next chapter in his life at his forever home!

When you adopt a cat from SAFE Haven you’re not only saving that cat’s life but you’re making room for another cat in need! If you’re interested in adopting Calvin or another one of our kitties, please visit our adoption page and complete an adoption application! Check to make sure Calvin is still available for adoption on our Meet the Cats page.

Here at SAFE Haven we meet hundreds of cats and although there are many similarities with each of these kitty’s stories, we’re consistently blown away with their distinct personalities and resiliency. Pumpkin is no exception!

Pumpkin arrived at SAFE Haven in early December. She was very thin, covered in fleas, and had a severe upper respiratory infection that caused damage to her corneas. Upper respiratory infections are like severe colds and if left untreated can be serious and life threatening. The SAFE Care Clinic immediately went to work on getting her better, starting her on antibiotics and eye medications.

After just two weeks of treatment she made a full recovery from the infection and her wonderful kitten personality came to life! She was left with scars on her eyes that will likely stay with her for the rest of her life, but she doesn’t seem bothered by them at all! She’s quickly adapted to the love and attention from the staff and is returning that love with cuddles and little mews.

Pumpkin arrived as a sick kitten with little energy but is now full of spirit ready for her new home thanks to the hard work of staff and support from the community! You can help cats like Pumpkin by donating to SAFE Haven for Cats!