Helping the feral cat population can be a daunting task. Often it’s messy, sometimes it’s upsetting, but overall rescuers find it deeply rewarding. While saving cats, they frequently say that the cats save them in return.
One such rescuer is Stephany Mullis Johnston, who says she felt called to the duty of helping her local cats. She has made a drastic difference in the lives of many cats in Florida, including little Cecil.
“They don’t have a voice or choice but we do. We can take responsibility and help the feral cat population.”-Stephany Mullis Johnston
Scabies Overtook Little Cecil
Stephany is the founder of Lake City Kitties in Lake City, Florida. She has taken in so many kitties to care for and TNR (trap-neuter-release), but this little guy is a special case. Cecil had uncommon and severe scabies and mange when he was found outside of a local business. Disturbingly, his ears looked like cauliflower and his fur was so matted you could barely see his eyes. Luckily, Stephany came to his rescue.
Animals Do Not Spread Human Scabies
As a note, if you happen to see any flaky, dry crust on your cat, make sure you take them to the vet to get checked out. It could be a sign of mange/scabies. Mange and scabies is contagious to other pets but the CDC notes animals do not spread human scabies, which is a different type of mite. There are two types of mites that can infect cats and dogs. One type of mite affects felines more while the other affects canines more. So, they are dreadful little specialists.
Per the CDC:
“Animals do not spread human scabies. Pets can become infested with a different kind of scabies mite that does not survive or reproduce on humans but causes ‘mange’ in animals. If an animal with ‘mange’ has close contact with a person, the animal mite can get under the person’s skin and cause temporary itching and skin irritation. However, the animal mite cannot reproduce on a person and will die on its own in a couple of days. Although the person does not need to be treated, the animal should be treated because its mites can continue to burrow into the person’s skin and cause symptoms until the animal has been treated successfully.”
Luckily, the condition can be treated, and seeing what a cat looks like after treatment weeks later is like a total transformation. One can only imagine how much better they must feel. But it also shows in how they behave and appear.
Scabies/mange causes intense itching and discomfort. Take a look at Cecil when he was found.
“I was so hungry. Thank you. Can you help me, please?”
Cecil’s Amazing Transformation
As you can see, Cecil’s condition was so bad he needed immediate help. Fortunately, he found it and was taken to Operation Catnip in Gainesville, Florida. Stephany made multiple trips to Operation Catnip to give Cecil the repeated treatments he needed. Now? His transformation turned him into a beautiful handsome boy!
“I’m ready for my close up Mr. DeMille!”
Although Cecil’s appearance totally transformed, his demeanor is just the same. From day one when Stephany found him he was the sweetest and goodest boy, and very friendly! He loves wet food, purring, and cuddles. Currently, he lives with Stephany, free from his horrible past.
Online, people have been so taken with Cecil’s glow up!
“That’s hard to see, sooo thankful!”-njbanes
“Amazing! Great work to all involved!”-jeweleeawillis
“Aww, gorgeous lil sweetheart, keep on thriving & thanks again for helping this poor lil guy with your special luv & knowledge”-debratruax192
It’s not clear if Stephany will put Cecil up for adoption or if he gets to stay with his savior. Remember folks, scabies can be a horrible thing if left untreated. Poor Cecil should have never gotten to this state, but he’s now better than ever.
Thank you for your wonderful service, Stephany! You can follow and support her efforts in Lake City, Florida on Instagram.
#REMEMBER: SPAY/NEUTER, FOSTER, VOLUNTEER, TNR & AS ALWAYS, ADOPT, DON’T SHOP!
All photos and videos by lakecitykitties/Instagram.