A lovable senior cat, Pumpkin, was 14 and struggling when his elderly owner had no choice but to surrender him. He ended up at a Manhattan shelter.
Unfortunately, this scenario is an everyday part of life as people age and lose their health or homes. Giving up a beloved pet must have been so heartbreaking, but thanks to rescuers, Pumpkin would not face euthanasia.
They found the scruffy senior kitty was as sweet as pumpkin pie and had so much love to give.
“He deserves to be in a loving home for whatever time he has left,” Timber’s Legacy said.
Images via Facebook/Manhattan ACC Cat Volunteers: The Cats that Capture our Hearts and Timber’s Legacy
Elderly Owner Couldn’t Care for Pumpkin Anymore
When rescuers found Pumpkin at the Manhattan Care Center, they saw he had many health issues and horribly matted hair. But it wasn’t intentional neglect. The elderly person was also suffering from medical issues and sadly had no choice but to go into care themselves.
“Pumpkin’s elderly owner was taken into care and had to surrender him. It appears that his owner was unable to properly care for him as he/she had medical issues of their own. The neglect was not intentional,” shared Timber’s Legacy.
Volunteers in the area shared a video of Pumpkin at the shelter.
“He’s a little bit matted, a little bit thin, but he’s certainly not short in love to give to people,” said a rescuer named Evelyne. “He’s so happy to have company, such a nice character…You are so sweet, like a pumpkin pie,” she continued.
The volunteers were delighted when the rescue group Timber’s Legacy pulled Pumpkin from the shelter. Online multiple people offered to care for him too!
Pumpkin Will Never Want for Anything Again
As you can see, Pumpkin was a big lovebug, but he had many health issues that needed immediate treatment. The rescuers took him to their veterinarian, who found him “an absolute love.”
“He loves attention and pets, gives elevator butt and is a purr machine. He was purring so loudly that Doc could not hear his heartbeat properly!” they shared.
Considering all his health issues, it’s a wonder how the cat remained so affectionate, but we see it all the time with senior rescued cats.
“Pumpkin is dehydrated, underweight, has muscle wasting and is full of mats. He is also suffering from an upper respiratory infection, an ear infection and ear mites and has moderate dental disease. He also has elevated kidney values,” they said.
After being treated for all those conditions, the vet would keep him in quarantine until they could safely release him. The charismatic cat already had “an amazing foster home” lined up. Never again would he want for anything, as the rescue was committed to giving him the best golden years.
Pumpkin Finds a Loving Fospice Home
By the next month, Pumpkin’s health was much improved. Without that matted fur, he looked like a new distinguished gentleman and befriended everyone in his foster home. At his advanced age, the rescue believed the foster home might be long-term, a palliative care “fospice” home. But he’s shown remarkable improvement and his fur has become a much brighter shade of orange already!
“What a sweet cat, one who likely is looking at fospice care to make his days comfortable and filled with love. Who knows, with proper care, nutrition and hydration, his condition could show some improvement. It was probably very difficult for an ill elderly to take care of a pet. Pumpkin would love to still enjoy the warmth of a home. He still has so much love to give,” they said.
Thanks to the rescue and kind people who donate, Pumpkin’s foster family wouldn’t have to worry about paying for his veterinary care.
“Pumpkin has arrived at his foster home, and he has fit right in. He’s met a foster sibling pup and cat and loves everyone! His kidney values have leveled out now that he is no longer dehydrated and is eating regularly! Thank you to everyone who has helped him get this far. We can’t do this without you. This really takes a village,” the rescue shared.
You can follow Timber’s Legacy on Instagram and Facebook to help support cats like Pumpkin. Those in the New York area can see cats for adoption on their website.
