Evie, the cat, was left outside in the frigid weather with frostbite in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota, area. It was 6 am on New Year’s Eve when volunteer rescuers got to her.
“Since it’s New Year’s Eve we name her Evie,” they said.
By then, the sweet cat’s ears were frostbitten and crunchy “like potato chips.” Her story is another reminder of how important it is to bring pets inside in cold weather. Fortunately, Evie survived her ordeal, but it will be a long road to recovery.
Since the vet wasn’t open yet, they had to try to keep her comfortable until they could get her help.
“This is what we do at 6 am on a Saturday morning,” they shared. “This poor baby has frost-bitten ears and paws. Skin is pealing off. Probably a URI also. More to follow. This could of been all prevented by keeping your animals inside in this cold. Now, this poor baby is in pain and is sick. We will keep you updated. She will go to the vet when they open at 8. For now she is on a nice heated bed and getting lots of loving and food.”
Images via Facebook/All Cats Rescue
Evie Survives Frostbite
In a more recent post, they shared some good news: Evie, around 12-16 months old, has a strong appetite and is recovering. However, her injuries are considerable. Besides her poor ears, she suffered so much frostbite on her paws that she couldn’t walk from the pain.
“She has frostbite on both ears so bad they are like potato chips. They will break off,” they wrote. “She has it on all 4 paws on the pads and are starting to peal. She also has it on her little nose. She was given a pain meds injection to keep her comfortable. She can walk but don’t because her little feet hurt. [The] vet said she has a long recovery road ahead of her.”
Despite her ordeal, Evie has remained “a doll” and loves her rescuers.
“For now, we are keeping her comfortable on a nice warm heated bed and giving her lots of love. She is getting all the food she wants and eating really good. Her favorite is Fancy feast canned kitten. Please send Evie your healing prayers. She is a doll!”
Vinny Survives Frostbite
Wonderfully, the rescuers also saved a 2-year-old cat named Vinny, who likewise suffered from frostbite. Shortly later, Vinny found his forever home thanks to the volunteer rescuers.
“Vinny was brought to ACR after a sweet lady found him lost in the country. He was a rough shape from living outdoors, even losing part of his ear due to frostbite. Now he is healthy and ready for his fur-ever home! Vinny loves to snuggle and is a total sweetheart. Despite his rough life, he hasn’t given up on people,” they said.
Cats in Cold Weather
The rescuers asked for prayers and donations to help with her recovery from frostbite. You can find out more on their Facebook post, or donate on their website. Otherwise, you can help by sharing this post to raise awareness. (She’s not currently available for adoption.)
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, rescuers at All Cats Rescue are a foster-based rescue that relies on volunteers and donations.
We hope Evie’s recovery is a speedy one! By sharing her story, we can also raise awareness about bringing pets inside when it’s cold out there. Also, don’t forget to tap on the hood of your car or vehicle and be mindful of cats taking refuge from the weather. Additionally, please see our article on how to make your own feral cat shelter.
Below, All Cats Rescue shared the information below if you find a cat suffering from extreme exposure to the cold.
What to do if you find a hypothermic animal via Facebook.
