Megan Sorbara has dedicated her heart and her time to Naples Cat Alliance, a 501(C)3 Non-Profit located on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Focusing on TNR (Trap/Neuter/Return) and rescuing animals from dire situations is a heartbreaking, but heroic lifestyle. Days and nights are filled with an endless stream of felines in need. The horrors of this reality are nothing that you can avoid, but serve to fuel the desire to continue saving as many cats as possible.
Photo Courtesy: Naples Cat Alliance
Megan went about her day like any other, but May 14th had a surprise in store for her.
Clewiston Animal Control contacted her with a special cat they hoped she would be able to take in. Located about 100 miles from Naples, Megan knew the A.C. officers wouldn’t reach out to her unless her expertise was required for a serious situation.
But when the cat showed up at her location later that day, she was a bit confused at first. The grey, male cat seemed in good health and had no visible medical issues. Then Megan noticed the cats paws…because they were painted purple.
Photo Courtesy: Naples Cat Alliance
But then the heartbreak set in. Megan realized this cat had been “color coded”, and intended for use in a dog fighting ring.
A horrific and brutal occurrence, dog fighters use paint or permanent markers to “color code” cats and other small animals so they can be used as bait. The dishonorable spectators then place bets on their color of choice. The “winner” is the animal that survives the longest against the canines being forced to fight for their lives.
Photo Courtesy: Naples Cat Alliance
No one knows how this cat was able to escape such an undeserving fate. Thankfully he was found wandering the streets, because that was certainly the lesser of two evils. The officers wanted to get the stray cat the best help possible, but also likely away from the area where the vulgar fights may be occurring.
Many of these corrupted humans adopt animals under false pretenses, find “free” animals online or steal them from their owners. Just one more danger of the outdoor feline life.
Photo Courtesy: Naples Cat Alliance
Mr. Purple Paws, as Megan began calling him, may sadly have been from the latter situation.
He was however, not micro-chipped and no one had reported a missing cat matching his description.
Even after whatever unknown horrors he had been through, the handsome cat didn’t shy away from her one bit. Staff members were welcomed to petting sessions from a happy, “flop over and love me”, attitude. Head butts of gratitude were freely given by the gentle boy.
It’s not often a stray or feral would consider allowing you to pick them up when first meeting or be held, both of which Mr. Purple Paws loved. Playtime with a new favorite toy is just purrfect to forget his past troubles.
Photos Courtesy: Naples Cat Alliance
Luckily, this poor victim held onto his loving attitude and assured volunteers he would make it through the situation with flying colors. A visit to the vet, and he was quickly cleared for adoption.
As expected, Mr. Purple Paws didn’t last long in the shelter before a caring man opened his home, and his arms, to him. After arriving at the Naples Cat Alliance, it only took one week for him to find a home! He was adopted by his new fur-ever human on Memorial Day weekend.
Photo Courtesy: Naples Cat Alliance
Unfortunately, Mr. Purple Paws’s story isn’t rare; what is rare is that he escaped and was saved from an appalling ending to his precious life.
Please report any animal abuse or cruelty you hear or see to the authorities. NO animal deserves to be subjected to this. Spay & Neuter your pets so we can limit the number of animals available for these abuses.
This breaks my heart and sickens me. We humans don’t deserve these sweet creatures. I’m so glad this story had a happy ending. Thank you Lord!
Like I keep saying, people who do these types of things, they deserve to receive the EXACT same treatment for their punishment. If they die, oh well. Might teach some an important lesson!!!!!!!!!!!
I hate stories like this it really bothers me that these little ones are abused. Thank god he got a loving family now. I rescued a little kitten today . I went to this restaurant on the highway while at the cottage and there were two cats and a small dog in the blazing heat with no water . I gave them water and called the humane society. They were so hungry. The baby kitten was sick and so Hungary as well. I picked him up and he was skin and bones. I talked to the owners and told them they were sick ass hole to abuse those animals. I took the sick kitten to the vet where I was told to take him. He did not put up a fight. I told them once he’s better I will be back for him. And I will I just need to give him a loving home he stole my heart . Why why why do people abuse these sweet innocent babies. I will never understand. Not the first animal I have rescued. Iam sure it won’t be the last.
This is not the first time I have heard about this horrific reason for colored pets turning up. It is such a cruel sad situation. Fighting dogs against each other is bad enough but to treat any animal like this is unconscionable. I have heard of bait dogs and this might be considered bait as well. The thought of it makes me sick. Perhaps
Mr. Purple Paws escaped his containment prior to his intended fate or in the end they didn’t have a use for him. At any rate, thank goodness he ended up where he did and he found a loving furever home.
I’m so happy for Mr.Purple Paws, but so sad to think about the others where he came from
Im so happy and greatful for mr purple paws
Found a furever loving home with a loving humanm thankyou you for daving this babys life god bless you!
And for thr ones who do this horrible thing to thesr cats is cruel and they nerd to be punished and end the dog fights!
I hope that new owner was thoroughly checked out for any connection to dog fighting.
I just Don’t understand How people can be so Cruel? All these innocent animals want is love ,food and to be cared for by loving humans. To see and hear of these horrific things done to these animals sickens me.