Published by: Ingrid King. Last Updated on: February 6, 2023 by Crystal Uys
During my recent visit to Los Angeles, I met nine cats and Chery, the woman who is caring for them. I meet a lot of cats in my work, but rarely have I been as affected by an encounter as I was by this one. These cats lived through trauma and hardship. They are a testament to the resilience of animals, and their ability to live in the moment, no matter what they may have encountered in their past. Spending time with Chery and the cats was a magical and humbling experience. This is their story.The cats, left to right, top row: Sandy, Ramses, Patterson, second row: Arwen, Zazu, Julia, third row: Tweety, Noodle,Tweety and Patterson, Julia
Click here to read Part One:Temporary Rescue
Part Two: The Cats Return
A year later, the homeless woman came back to the church parking lot, this time without a car. All the cats were in carriers, some two to a carrier. Her beautiful dog was on a leash. She set up camp behind the dumpsters. “These wonderful cats were living in carriers on towels, sitting in their own waste,” said Chery. She called the ASPCA. They gave her the names of local rescue groups, but none could help. When Chery called animal control, they told her that the shelter was overcrowded, and since almost all of the cats were seniors, chances were high that they would be put down.
On Wednesday, October 28, 2015, Chery received a call from someone at the church. The homeless woman was finally ready to surrender the cats. Chery picked them up the very next day and got them set up in her guest house. The woman and her dog left California.
Once the cats were safely situated, Chery’s friends came to help. They set up an assembly line. Every cat was bathed, blow dried and received a flea treatment. The cats patiently tolerated all of it. “One of the most wondrous things I’ve ever seen was watching these cats making themselves at home as if they had never been away,” said Chery. “Just imagine what having a full food bowl, fresh water, comfortable soft snuggly places to nap, and clean litter boxes must have been like for them!”
Next on the agenda was getting everyone to the vet. When Chery called to set up appointments, her vet asked if any of them looked like they wouldn’t make it, so that they could be seen first.
Zazu was 6lb & 6oz. “I’ve never seen a cat that thin,” said Chery. “He should have been a 12 to 14 pound cat. I really wasn’t sure he would survive.” A blood test revealed hyperthyroidism. With a vitamin B shot and thyroid medication, Zazu was on his way to getting better. He still needed dental surgery, but that would have to wait until he put on some weight. Since then, Zazu has gained weight, and his dental needs have been taking care off. He had several abscessed teeth removed.
Ramses has a sinus condition that he most likely had his whole life. He was started on steroids and antibiotics, and is also being treated with homeopathic remedies. “His healing is still a work in progress,” said Chery.
Noodle had serious dental problems. “When I took her to the vet, they said they had never seen a mouth that bad,” said Chery. “I could see she was in a lot of pain. Her mouth was so swollen, but she was still just a little lover!” Noodle ended up having all her teeth pulled. “Today, she is happy, painfree and eating like a champ,” said Chery.
Next in line was Julia. “She’s the sweetest little cat ever!” said Chery. “She only weighs 5 lbs. 5 oz, and just wants to sit in your lap all day.” Julia has had multiple challenges all her life. When she was a kitten, someone forced her eyelids open and tore them, so she cannot completely close her eyes. She’s also partially blind. She has stomatitis, a painful dental condition. “I have taken her to my vet over two dozen times,” said Chery. Julia has been treated with antibiotics and steroids, and is on pain medicine to keep her comfortable. “It’s an amazing thing to witness how all the other cats seem to gather around her when she’s not feeling well,” said Chery. “We all love Julia!”
Arwen’s blood test came back with great results, but she has a broken tooth in the front of her mouth. The vet felt it was better just to leave it alone as it’s not causing her any pain at this time.
Moofy, “a big, funny, goofy cat and kind of a scaredy-cat,” according to Chery, also had a mouthful of problems with multiple abscessed teeth. Once Moofy reached a safe weight, they pulled most of his teeth, and discovered that his jaw had been broken in an earlier injury. Today he’s happy, healthy and gaining more weight.
Patterson and Tweetie found new homes three weeks after they came to Chery’s guest house. They were litter mates and, at five years old, the youngest of the group. “They were adopted by a lovely woman who lives not far from me,” said Chery. “I go visit them as often as I can.”
And last but not least, there is Sandy. She came from a hoarding situation with 86 cats in one house, and went from there to living with the homeless woman. “She is a sweet cat who keeps to herself,” said Chery. Sandy will need to be with someone who understands feral behavior. “With lots of patience, love and understanding, Sandy could be a great cat,” said Chery. For now, she gets to stay in Chery’s guest house with the others.
Come back tomorrow for Part Three: It’s a Wonderful Life
About the author
Ingrid King is an award-winning author, former veterinary hospital manager, and veterinary journalist who is passionate about cats.
Thank you
your comments have filled me with
Joy,and Gratitude
Wonderful story, thank you.
I knew the story very well but when reading this wonderful story again it brought tears to my eyes once more. Chery and Paul are so special and their hearts are so….so full of love for these little souls. Chery and Paul have shown each and every one of them how love and kindness can heal their innocent little hearts and allow them to trust again….
It is a wonderful thing that Chery was able to open her heart and her home to these beautiful cats. Thank Chery.
wonderful people, precious kitties. God bless and keep all of you safe.
Wow! can’t wait to hear part 3!!!
I am glad she was able to help these kitties. Can’t wait to read more.
What an incredible rescue story. I’m glad the cats are safe now.
What a story! I have been waiting since yesterday for the second part….and there’s more! I have two indoor cats, so this breaks my heart… But also brings it joy!
What a kind lady and her husband to take these cats in …from all walks of life, and giving them a forever home! ❤️ my heart goes out to them and their kindness. And of course the cats that endured all the pain and suffering.
I feed strays all the time, because I can’t stand the thought of something going hungry. I currently have 3 stays outside I feed daily. My heart can’t say no!
Cherry, these stories make me believe there are still some kind compassionate people in this world filled with so much hate!
Thank you for this story and will be waiting for the third part!
Much love ❤️ from TN!
Renee Pass
WOW!!As I read both parts, I was tearing up ( I am quite emotional when I read stories as these).There are not enough words in the dictionary to describe how TOTALLY amazing Chery has been to these cats. Chery needs to be mentioned on various social media sites so everyone can learn ( and help her if she needs it with paying the cats medical bills).
Wow, what an amazing story – I can’t wait to hear the rest!
Ingrid
Thank you
You’ve told our story so beautifully
And the best is yet to come
Best story ever!!!! My little guy I rescued a little under two months ago was soooo skinny. He was about 6 lbs and could barely move his hindquarters. He’s such a little butterball now, I love it!! He has regained all of his strength and loves to run around and jump on things. He sometimes even let’s me stroke his tummy, I’m so lucky!!! Thank you for sharing! Prayers for all these special kitties.