A roly-poly FIV+ black cat, Dusty the Campfire Cat, became a symbol of resilience and hope, a so-called “Fire Cat” who once lived in Paradise. Like Smokey the Bear, he wears a forest ranger’s hat in his cute profile picture. Five years after the California fires, he’s doing great while still bravely overcoming challenges.
Warning: Before image may be disturbing to some viewers.
Image via Facebook/Dusty the Campfire Cat
Here’s Dusty taking in the sunshine recently.
“Dust in the sun!”
Images via Instagram/dustythecampfirecat and via Facebook/ Dusty the Campfire Cat
Dusty the Campfire Cat’s Story
Over five years ago, fires sweeping through Paradise, California, on November 8, 2018, caught Dusty in their path. The flames horribly burned his face, ears, legs, and feet, melting his footpads.
Dusty’s eyelids were badly scorched in the Camp Fire but with surgery he recovered.
A Snore Like a Drunken Sailor
Fortunately, rescuers found him and quickly fell in love with Dusty’s “button nose and raspy purr.” He also had an odd snore from damaged lungs, and still snores “like a drunken sailor” today!
They took him to the UC Davis Vet Hospital, where he needed immediate surgery. Unfortunately, several of his toes couldn’t be saved, and his eyelids were so badly singed that he needed reconstructive surgery. Despite it all, he made an astonishing recovery.
Beating the odds, the brave soul recovered after weeks of hospitalization and went to Field Haven Feline Center in Lincoln. The same rescuers have now taken what they learned to help cats caught in the fires on Maui.
As Dusty continued to slowly recover, they tried to locate Dusty’s human family, but after weeks, nobody came forward. With no microchip, his past remains a mystery. But after a long wait, rescuer Elizabeth spotted his adoption listing, bringing him all the way across the country to live, now in Rhode Island.
He became Dusty Campfire, AKA ‘Dusty Roads,’ and started a new leisurely life.
“Passed out drunk from watching birds all day!”
Video via Tiktok/dustythecampfirecat
Dusty Develops Twitchy Cat Syndrome
Safe in a loving home, Dusty continued on his long road to recovery. But then, it was like he went out of the fire and back into the flames when he came down with neurological symptoms of Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome. As we’ve shared before, it’s called “Twitchy Cat Syndrome” or “rippling skin syndrome.”
Dusty’s skin was oversensitive to touch, and he started licking, biting, and scratching himself obsessively and having extreme spasms. Over time, the constant licking led to an obstruction in his intestines which he also overcame with vet care.
To prevent his constant scratching, he wears ‘Thundershirts’ or a big soft collar. However, like Houdini, he manages to get them off, destroy, and even pop them sometimes!
“I need that packing paper Sir Velvet Paws!”
Over the years, specialists have tried multiple medications to help. Meanwhile, holistic treatments have had limited use, although acupuncture seems to offer some relief. A fundraiser to cover the high costs of ongoing treatments raised over $7K. However, costs remain ongoing, including for his FIV+ symptoms.
A New Gentle Treatment for Cats
Dusty has also tried a new treatment with a donated collar called an “Assisi Loop” that delivers gentle electromagnetic fields to relieve pain and inflammation. Elizabeth reports it does seem to offer relief, although Dusty sometimes doesn’t like to sit still for the treatments.
Overall, it seems Dusty is doing quite well. All things considered, he’s “itchy but not as twitchy” as he was before.
“Loopin’ and ready for a boopin’! Still doing great!”
Dusty wears an Assisi Loop device to help with the inflammation
Keeping Life Full of Funny Moments
Cats with this syndrome, as well as FIV+ cats like Marmalade and Dusty, need to have stressed kept to a minimum to maintain top health. And they need lots of yummy treats toys, and to be spoiled rotten!
Below, you can see Dusty being spoiled with his rascally sister, ‘Dammit’ the cat! Both act a bit like cartoon characters, and always keep life interesting and full of so many funny moments!
For more, you can follow Dusty the Campfire Cat on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.
“Dammit is always like this, even when she’s happy and purring. Dusty is so chill,” shared Dustry Campfire on TikTok.
