At 15 years old, a handsome, affectionate cat named Count found himself at a shelter. He was vision-impaired and had numerous serious health issues, but Brooklyn rescuers were determined to help him avoid euthanasia and pulled him from the shelter. Then, the purrfect foster mom Talisman Brolin took him in and fell in love with his amazing purrsonality. Despite all the challenges, he loved life and everyone he met.
Thanks to rescuers and kind people who donated, Count got the veterinary care he needed instead of facing the end of the line. In addition to being blind, he had some “gnarly masses” on his ear and mouth and a growth on his leg. He was only five and a half pounds at the time.
Images and media via Instagram/littlewanderersnyc
Immediately after leaving the shelter, the tabby won over everyone he met, purring lovingly.
“Shelter Cat Count is the sweetest boy ever. He won’t stop purring since he came out of the shelter earlier today,” they shared.
Images and media via Instagram/littlewanderersnyc
Count Given Months to Live
Unfortunately, the vets discovered that he appeared to have a form of aggressive cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. They thought he might live a maximum of three months or as little as a few weeks. While the rescuers were devastated, they wanted to give him the best quality of life they could in his final days. As it turned out, his foster mom had experience with this type of cancer before.
This Cat Was Unstoppable
To everyone’s surprise, the cat proved to be unstoppable, overcoming the odds, gaining weight, and thriving! A drug called Palladia was having “remarkable results” for him. Kind people donated so that he could get the care he needed.
“The silver lining in this dark cloud is that Count has the most amazing [fosterer] who has dealt with this cancer before and can offer palliative care to senior blind boy Count.”
His Foster Mom Adopted Him
Count’s story touched thousands, and it was heartwarming to learn that the friendly cat became a so-called “foster fail.” Talisman decided to adopt him furever.
“This cat is soooo incredibly special, and we don’t say that lightly,” the rescuers shared. “He just appreciates everything and loves loves loves life. Shelter cats are always special, but this ONE is a real star. He shines everywhere. The rest of his days will only be the best and filled with all the love and care he could ever possibly want,” they shared.
She shared the cutest videos as he enjoyed life to the fullest.
“Shelter cat Count is the best cat in the whole entire world. He’s got plenty of medical problems but for the time he has left here on earth, we will make sure it’s the very best time in the whole entire world.”
Supurr Count!
As he continued ongoing veterinary care, he became an inspurrational Super cat. Followers sent in Superhero names for him, like Count Catula and Sir Count of Nine Lives.
“💥 💫 SUPER [SHELTER 😼] COUNT 👑⚡️”
The rescuers didn’t give up and knew his mom would give him the best life.
“He has weeks to live, maybe even a few months. What we do know is that he deserved a chance. and Little Wanderers wanted to give him that opportunity. He’s got the most amazing foster, Talisman, who waits on him hand and foot and will love him into his next chapter with your help and support.”
In return for giving Count the love and care he needed, the rescuers say the cat helped heal them too.
“Rescue animals, especially senior ones, can replenish the deepest parts of your soul,” the rescue said.
You can see more Supurr Cats like the Count at Little Wanderers NYC on Facebook and Instagram.
Count Me In
In an update four months after his rescue, the lovable kitty was still going strong! He would not be counted out, enjoying each day the fullest.
“Count is going STRONG – tomorrow is our Oncology appointment. Honestly, I had no expectations that he would still be with us, but this boy 1000% wants to be here. We are all in. Count is magic,’ Talisman shared.
