Rebel....My "FREE" kitten......LOL

Hi gang:
  I have this cat. He is 18 months old. His name is Rebel.  He started this life in a ruff way. He lost him Mom to a car, and him and his two brothers were ill, starved,full of fleas, ear infections,  and homeless.

A good friend of mine took the kittens in, and fed them with an eyedropper.  They got their bellies full, but the cats needed vet care. All had eye infections, and upper respitory infections., and as I mentioned, full of fleas.

Her daughter actually went around the neighborhood and sold homemade cookies, as well as collected bottle donations so these Kittens could see a vet.

When they finally got to the vet, it was not a pretty outcome.  One of the three cats lost his eye site due to infection.  Another one of them, had a bad leg and couldnt walk right.    The last one did better at the vet, than did his brothers, but not by much.

I knew my friend couldnt afford all the money it took to take care of these cats, and in my heart of hearts, I knew, I would end up with one, as my heart was broken at the site of these poor kittens.

On my way home from the casino one night, I stopped by her house and offered to take one.  She offered me the best of the bunch, and I agreed to take one home.  His name was Rebel already. lol If only then I would of realized just how appropriate that name would become.

I took Rebel to the vet, and with lots of antibiotics, flea medication, ear mite medication, he was the best he'de ever been in a few weeks. Lets not forget immunizations, yup, needed them too. Cha_ching....

Rebel is a grey tiger cat, and wanted to be outdoors from the minute I brought him home. After all, he was born outside.    He would go for days at a time, and return with numerous cuts and scrapes.  He always looked at me as if to say, "You should see the the other guy." lol

Back to the vet we would have to go for treatment, for his cuts and several severe bites from other cats.  Once he actually licked the stove while it was hot, and burned his tongue so bad he couldnt eat or drink, or even clean himself.  Another time he came home limping and I saw he had literally tore his tore a toe off, and back to the vet we went.  Back to the vet, back to the vet, back to the vet.  $$

Two weeks ago my Rebel came home not using one of his back legs.  I said to myself, "What now?"  I waited a few days to see if anything would improve on its own, and it didnt. He just wasnt himself, and never asked to go outside after that. I knew something was not right.

(Each time I saved up Money for Rebel to get "fixed" I would end up spending the money on his "repair" bills instead.) lol

Well, back to the vet today for Rebel.  They took one look at his leg and ordered x-rays.  Sure enough, his leg is broken.  How does a cat get into such a fuss that he can break a leg.? I often wished I could of put a camera on him when he left each night to see just where he was going.

Rebel is doing okay considering. . Another few weeks, we hope  he should be able to use his leg again, as it is healing already, and didnt need to be set. There is a possibility he could always limp and be weaker in that leg, and all I can do is hope for the best.  More antibiotics, and pain meds. By the way, X-rays are not cheap for humans, and they are no cheaper for Cats. OUCH.

To love an animal is a funny thing.  It is no different than loving another human being. If they are in pain, you hurt too.  Sometimes more than for anything else.  I would take years off my life in order to make sure my babies were okay.

While Rebel was there today I made an appt for him to get "fixed" The vet knows I am not made of money, and they will allow me to make paymets for his surgury. This surgury will allow him to be a happier cat. Not all those hormones racing thru him and making him go look for other ctas and fight for the female cats in the area.  I know it is the best soulution for Rebel.  Add another $200 to the ever growing total Rebel has cost me.

So anyways, I added up all Rebels Vet bills today, from the beginning,  and the grand total was almost $1000.00.    I have to just laugh.  See, it isnt about the money. When that sweet baby crawls up in my lap and kisses my nose, that is all the thanks I need.

Thanks for letting me share.  I know I am not the only animal lover out there, and I know I am among friends here that understand just what it is to love an animal as I love mine.

    Thanks for reading.....

                                                    PMM

PMM2008-
I can only imagine what you are feeling right now. Animals become a part of the family and I understand why you took him to the Vet. I am sure that Rebel is thanking you in his own way. I had a cat growing up named "PUDDY"- you know- the cartoon with Slyvester the cat. I really loved that cat and he became a part of our family. Animals of any kind hold a special place in my heart. I appreciate you sharing with all of us and give Rebel a hug for me! Peace.

Debo2759:
    Arent you sweet to reply to my long winded post.

I just knew there were people here that would understand why I have done what I have done for my "free" kitten. 

I did indeed give Rebel a hug from you and he says hello back. He thanks you for your well wishes.    As do I.

Thanks again for responding....

                                                          PMM

You will be so happy with the nuetering...think of it as an investment. It will not rid the vet bills entirely but it will cut down on them for sure.  Rebel's adventurous personality won't change but his need to fight will.
About his broken leg...I wonder if maybe he was hit by a car? Very odd for a cat to break bones in a fight and even odder from a fall.
Rebel reminds me of my late cat Leo (who I had fixed at 3mos but was still a wild one). He lost half his ear from messing with the cable box, jumped in front of an oncoming casino monorail, ran with coyotes, got stuck on a roof of a 3 story apt building, shot by a bebe gun, ahhh the list goes on and on. The very night I brought my newborn son from the hospital he got hit by a car and died instantly. Im still so mad with grief. You are right Pam, true pet lovers treat them and feel real human affection towards their animal companions.  Losing Leo has been harder on me than losing most of my family and friends-no joke.
Point being expect improvement when Rebel gets fixed but it wont cure his wild side...and whose to say you'ld want it to.

I grew up well... poor .  My mom and stepdad were gypsies who moved around all the time.  Once we lived in a van on the construction site he was working on.  (I'm fine by the way and in no way like them, I have a point lol).  Well though my 'parents' could barely afford themselves, we always had animals.  Once my dad jumped out of the truck and ran over to the side of the road in a hurry and came back carrying a little kitten in a papersack.  someone had thrown it over the hill.  We fixed it up and kept it for years.  Always animals, they ate better than I did most days.  I would definitely say they were better with animals than they were with people, and though I don't share the sentiment right now, I think it is wonderful that you helped out a friend and found yourself one in Rebel.  He sounds like quite a character )

I enjoyed reading about your little Rebel Pam.  Poor little guy - I hope his leg heals and also his "other bits" - I'm sure he will calm down a bit.

Without people like you in this world, there would be an awful lot of animals put to sleep or left to roam the streets because nobody wanted them.  I know he already had a home but as you said, they couldn't really afford to keep him.

I will tell you of something I saw on the TV when I was a young child that has never left me and has never stopped making me cry when I think about it.

I was watching a programme about animals and this beautiful Old English Sheepdog had to be put down (for reasons I didn't understand at the time) and they were playing "all things bright and beautiful" whilst they put this dog down.  I cried so much at the time and that vision and feelings I had at such a young age has never left me and I've never forgotten that dog.  It brings tears to my eyes just writing about it.

Thank heavens for people like you Pam.

blue

Thank you so much to those who have read this little story of mine.  I guess I needed to write it. It was actually theraputic to me to write it. 

The responses to this post have been so heartfelt and so real. I thank you for those.
I guess I  have really started a post that is close to peoples heart, and I know I am among friends. 

I just love this forum, and the people on it.

                                                    PMM

Hmmm..The cost of a "Sleep" shot is $10-$20.

I'm sure you considered it. Bless you for going the other route and helping the little guy out.

PMM,

I don't who touched my heart more you or the kitty. I am a huge animal lover and when i read your story i felt the pain. If every single person in this world cared about animals the way you did for Rebel........what a wonderful world it would be.

Lips

aww i loved the story too PMM

"To love an animal is a funny thing.  It is no different than loving another human being. If they are in pain, you hurt too.  Sometimes more than for anything else.  I would take years off my life in order to make sure my babies were okay"

agreed almost, i would even say that i have never loved a person as much as i loved my pets, so its more intense:)
(maybe i didnt understand the sentence completely)
weve had cats since i was little too, every time i found  a starving kitten, i took it home, and although we couldnt afford the costs, my mom  said no!, my dad said no!
end ended up yes!
^^
atm we have 5 , i posted that pic in that family thread, and they cost probably more then my online gambling, if i really calculated, it would be around 200 euro  a month, on average.
they all are from  a "crazy" nest, and one is parainoid, mama is always walkin around with  a dark cloud above her head, one had an accident due to wild nature like rebel, and now has  a bad eye which she almost lost, but i believe through our love and care, has miraculously healed, the other one is always crying for attention (and loud)
and one is nowhere to be found untill 3 in the middle of the night ^^
then he comes out and wants to be pet, whilst eating, lol!
for the record, i love all animals, but cats just have that bit of extra character, and freedom that i would like to see in humans more.
well i could go on an tell amazing stories about all our past cats, but there would be no end:P
loved your story
thanks for sharing!

I loved the story Pam, almost made me choke, holding back some tears when you said, "When that sweet baby crawls up in my lap and kisses my nose, that is all the thanks I need."
Animal lover indeed i am, and appreciate you Pam for doing what you do for him, his fate could of been well different and not so good. I have saved so many animals from near bad fate in it's life since i was a child, any animal i brought home my mother never turned them away, always room for more and as far as vets, i'm sure they paid alot to them as i realized when i became on my own still doing it, it's cost me a bundle. Then this routine passed down to my daughter who spent her childhood bringing home animals, and is now on her own. I remember saying this to my daughter.. "i don't waaant another... aaaawww he's so cuuuute". Immediately my hearts melting for them, and we are making beds and buying toys, collars and food dishes. But before this the first thing i do is make a Vet appointment, check-ups, shots and spay or neuter.

Thank you Pam for bringing such a wonderful story all the best to you and Rebel always!!

Wow this makes me so sad my Ashley kitty I just put her to sleep a couple days ago. I cried so hard my eyes were sore for 2 days. I am having her cremated so I am waiting for the vets call when he gets her back. It is the hardest thing to watch your Baby die and be there for every injection, the valium, first and the next shot and then the iv drip which ends there life. I feel like I lied to her holding her saying it's going to be ok, she died with her eyes open looking at me. She was my talking kitty, she talked to me and loved to hear the sound of my voice. I hate coming home now cause I know she wont greet me, I hate emptiness. 

OMG lucky.  :'(

A very moving story.  I'm so sorry and wish I could ease the pain that you feel. 

blue

I am so sorry Lucky, i wish too i could ease the pain.. but no you did not lie, your ashley kitty is an angel kitty and she is okay, its also comforting to know how much you love her.

Lucky:

Upon reading your story my heart broke. I too know the pain of having to put a beloved pet down. I've done it three times in my life.  It never gets any easier, and I still cant talk about it very much.

It is a pain like no other.

My heart goes out to you, and wishing there was something I could do to help ease the pain.  Thank you for sharing your story.

                                                                    PMM

Your story was very touching PMM....Thanks for sharing it with us. I hope you'll be keeping us informed and let us know how Rebel is doing.

Hi everyone. Thanks for the touching responses I got about Rebel. So sweet.

Rebel is doing pretty well, but he came down with a bone infection in his broken leg.  He is on a stronger antibiotic now called Clindamycin, and the vet hopes to clear that up shortly.

I saw Rebel try to use his leg today for balance. It isnt much, but it is indeed a step in the right direction, and I was thrilled when I witnessed it.

He is feeling better each day, and is starting to play again and beat up on my other cat like he used to do so often.

He is just the sweetest thing ever.

Thanks again for all your interest in Rebel. I give him many hugs from my LCB family each day.

Will update again soon......


                                                  PMM

Im glad the infection is getting taken care of.

How great that hes starting to use his leg again, that is fantastic. Keep us posted on how he is doing, and give him a great big hug and from me !

Rebel sounds like he has that mind of matter attitude-I love that.
He'll be out terrorizing the neighborhood in no time!

I am OBVIOUSLY a cat lover so my roomie told me 2day that he knew where I could get a kitten if I wanted 1. He then told me that it was a newborn that still had it's eyes closed & has 2 be fed with an eyedropper. Well when I heard that part it sooooo reminded me of your "FREE" kitten. Needless 2 say, I had 2 say nay. Thank god somebody else took the little guy in cuz I would've given in & taken him in if need be.

The important thing is he found a loving home.

There is nothing sweeter than a baby kitten huh?