When you are involved in trapping or caring for stray cats, you never know what you’re going to come across. A few years ago, the TNR (Trap/Neuter/Return) team with Lowell TNR Coalition came upon a cat in dire need of saving. The poor boy was covered in horribly matted fur and filth from living on the streets. They were able to trap him and brought him to another nearby shelter for attention. They can’t be sure how long he’d been a stray, but his life was about to drastically change!
Photo: Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society
Once they got some food in his belly, a sweet boy emerged from beneath the matted fur.
The organization happy to help the boy was the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society in Salisbury, Massachusetts. They initially shared the story with Love Meow back in 2017.
He originally was found outside, severely matted (worst we have ever seen) and very hungry. He was caught as part of a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program, and was discovered to be friendly.
Photo: Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society
They named the senior cat, estimated to be around 10-years-old, Frisbee. His unkempt appearance told of months, if not years, on the street. But they couldn’t be sure where he had gotten his start. It was heartbreaking thinking that the sweet boy was abandoned on the streets by a “family”. His new shelter family were dedicated to saving him though.
Photo: Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society
It took HOURS for them to shave the matted fur and tangles from him while he was under anesthesia. When he awoke with a clean shave, he immediately began purring and thanking his rescuers. It’s amazing what a haircut and good meal can do to lift someone’s mood!
Photo: Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society/Donna Atkins
Frisbee was feeling much better with the weight of the fur lifted, but that wasn’t the only health issue.
Sadly, they found that Frisbee had a ton of dental work that was needed. On a later update, they shared the memories of his medical findings.
Half of his teeth were missing; the ones that remained were so far gone that they all had to be removed. He had a very stubborn stomatitis infection in his mouth which requires life long medication.
Photo: Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society/Donna Atkins
If that weren’t enough he tested as being FIV+. Many other rescue groups may have turned him away because of his many (extensive and expensive) medical issues. But MRFRS took him in and cared for him for months until he was ready for adoption.
Frisbee was extremely lucky to find an organization that wouldn’t give up on him. Infuriatingly, there are still shelters that believe FIV is a death sentence, BUT IT’S NOT! Frisbee would be well taken care of until he found the perfect home for him. That’s where Donna Atkins comes in to the story.
Photo: Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society/Donna Atkins
Donna had decided that she wanted to adopt a cat and was searching online.
She came across Frisbee’s face on an adoption website (AdoptaPet.com or Petfinder.com).
I knew I had to make the 1-1/2 hour drive up to Salisbury to visit him. It was love at first sight so on July 7, 2017, Frisbee (now called Buffy Boy) came home with us.
Photo: Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society/Donna Atkins
He is so content being a pampered house cat and it is all because of you, MRFRS! I’ll be sending a donation in Buffy’s name and I thank you for everything you do for those who cannot speak for themselves! You guys rock!
Photos: Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society/Donna Atkins
He joined the Atkins family that included a feline sister named Baby Cat. The shelter had described him as an “alpha cat”, and he fit in great with his new sister.
Photo: Donna Atkins
They are still happily living the good life together and his once matted fur has grown into a gorgeous coat.
His mom Donna happily shared holiday photos of her fur-babies from last year. Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society LOVE seeing the happy updates from their former rescues. Because it’s exactly what keeps them doing what they love to do.
Photo: Donna Atkins
We received a delightful photo of Buffy Boy (formerly Frisbee) and seeing this sweetheart snuggled by his tree caused our hearts to grow 3 sizes today!
Photo: Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society/Donna Atkins
If you would like to help them and their amazing cause, visit their website HERE. If you live in their area, be sure to join them for the 24th Annual Strut For Strays Fundraiser this year! It takes place on June 2nd, 2019.
REMEMBER: SPAY/NEUTER, FOSTER, VOLUNTEER, TNR & AS ALWAYS, ADOPT, DON’T SHOP!
Related Story: 24 Neglected Persian Cats Rescued from Backyard Breeder; Saved from Infections & Covered In Matted Hair!
Related Story: Feral Cat With Shocking Matted Fur Rescued!
I love all the sweet cat rescue stories,gives me hope there is still humanity left in this chaotic world.
I have always adopted kitties, nah really they find me. I have 4 rt meow, thankfully they get along. I love what rescues do, it is hard and very unthankful. Thank you to MRFRS for all you do, no matter how hard!! and thank you to BuffyBoys new hooman for giving him happy golden years
I wanted a cat I happened to be at a Rotary meeting where the Bully program was introduced. They rescue bull head dogs like pits and such. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd was there. I asked him about the cat problem. I had no idea how bad it was. He told me to go to the pound and save a life if I wanted a cat. That is exactly what I did. She was an adult cat, about a year old. I was so blessed cause she turned out to be one of the best cats we have ever has. She is thriving ad so healthy now. Thank you to all of the great organizations that rescue these animals. They have so much love to give. Cat mom to Katniss 🐈🐈⬛♥️♥️♥️