When cat rescuers were alerted to a HUGE feral cat colony in Houston, TX, they joined forces to help. It was September of 2023 when the staff at Fur A Pawsitive Future, Space City Cats and other local advocates learned of the massive colony. They initially estimated over 200 cats were doing their best to survive on the streets in a low income housing community. And sadly, there were a number of them that were super friendly. Always heartbreaking for cat rescuers since this likely means they were abandoned. But these sweet cats needed saving, and quick! Because by the looks of it, for cats like the disheveled Miko, they weren’t going to survive much longer.
Miko and her mange.
One of the things rescuers in warm climates often see cats suffering from is mange. Mange can be extremely contagious to other animals and is caused by mites affecting the skin. It’s often also called scabies and can be extremely painful for the poor creatures dealing with it. Mange causes itching, hair loss, crusty skin around the face and neck and inflammation. Most often it’s the ears on felines that show the damage being done. 
But with medication, shampoos and time, mange will clear up and reveal the beauty beneath. And once cute and friendly little Miko was off the streets and in their care, that’s exactly what happened for her.
The little feline was being cared for by Save A Purrfect Cat Rescue, another fabulous cat loving group in the area. It truly was a team effort to be able to help literally dozens of needy cats.
The transformation from pitiful to plentiful.
Then in the end of November 2024, Fur A Pawsitive Future shared an update on Miko. And it is more than motivating to cat rescuers who lay their eyes upon the beautiful Miko now. 
No longer is there crust covering her soft little ears. No more are her bones showing through her emaciated body. There is a sparkle in her eyes now. A plumpness to her healthy body. And soft, flowing fur, warmed by the sun in a loving indoor home. 
Seeing the transformation of the deserving cat shows just how much these felines need our help. When a rescuer can change the life of one animal this much, it motivates the rest of us to keep going. Sadly, there are likely always going to be abandoned animals that need assistance. But to see people coming together to help the needy doesn’t just heal the animal. There is healing in being part of a movement that truly is life saving.
Photos from @furapawsitivefuture
All we need to do is remember survivor stories like little Miko’s.
Thank you to all the people who helped Miko and the hundreds of other cats in this project!
