Poor Elvis was living in a drainage ditch under a busy road in Reno, Nevada. Rescuers say Elvis (later named Elliott), the feral cat, must have some stories and sorrowful songs to sing. His ear was tattered but not cut straight across, which would have indicated he had been caught and neutered by rescuers previously. Time had been cruel to him, leaving his fur dull and dirty as he hunted in the dark tunnel a few feet from the cars and trucks.
Images and media via Facebook/Feral At Heart
Thankfully, Elvis had luck on his side when a TNR (trap, neuter, return) rescuer made it her mission to bring him to safety. Once safely in the trap, he must have thought it was all over, hissing and showing his teeth.
At first, they thought Elvis was a she, but later learned the kitty was a boy.
Video via TikTok/feral_at_heart
Elvis Gets a New Name and Life
When rescuers do TNR, they plan to return feral cats to their chosen outdoor home once they are neutered, vaccinated, and sometimes microchipped. If there are any health issues, they take care of those, and then once the cats are healed up, they release them back where they were found. That way, the cat knows the territory and can settle back into their routine without added stresses. Once spayed and neutered, they won’t get into fights over mates and can remain healthier. Plus, their won’t be suffering kittens needing rescue.
But in this case, Elvis was living in a dangerous spot, so returning him there wasn’t an option.
“There are some cats that just CANT be returned back to where they came from because of it being unsafe etc. Luck was on his side this time. 🍀 He is now neutered, vaccinated, and safe and sound in a forever home. Now Introducing ‘Elliott Elvis Lucky,'” shared Feral At Heart.
They showed the lucky cat’s appearance when he first showed up near a business with a bloody leg and battle scars. Who knows what he had been through while surviving out there for as many as eight to ten years? Fortunately, a kind woman named Brittany saw him at her job site and contacted the rescue for help.
Next, they showed Elliot Elvis Lucky in his new, safe surroundings.
“[The] first morning of Elliott Elvis settled into his very own space with a warm bed, a heater, and all the food his little heart desires. AND he’s not even hiding like he was last night. I’d say he’s lookin’ pretty relaxed).”
Retirement To a Custom Catio with Room Service for Life
In an update, Feral At Heart shared how Elliot Elvis is doing. They went to great lengths to make him feel at home since he couldn’t return to that drainage ditch. Now, he will always have room and board, a private condo with room service and health checkups. He has all the amenities, but Elvis will not leave the building.
“He was in pretty rough shape when we got him, but he now lives a very happy and safe life in a custom-made, feral cat enclosure that was built for a small handful of cats like Elliot, who are not safe going back to where they came from,” they shared.
A video shows Elliot playing in his private catio, enjoying his retirement years. His fur is immaculate and he doesn’t have a care in the world anymore. Wonderfully, his leg wound is fully healed. Maybe one day, he might become ready to allow his human servants to love him tender? Regardless, he’ll always have a safe and loving home.
“You can see that Elliot is well-fed, playful, and full of life, and his coat is now clean, shiny and well cared for. Can you tell he feels happy?”
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