Patricia Swenson

Warrior is a feral kitten who lived in my friend Lorri Shaw’s neighborhood, along with his sister. Both kittens appeared to be blind and starved; his sister was skin and bones. Lorri managed to catch her and take her to the vet. The diagnosis was disastrous – feline herpes. The only, the kindest, option was euthanasia.

Eventually, Lorri was able to capture Warrior and bring him into the house. She quarantined him in her spare bath and made an appointment for him to see the vet. Warrior’s mama was not happy that her kid had been caught and taken away from her, but he was at last some place safe and warm.

Warrior saw the vet and the outcome was better than his sister’s was. Warrior is healthy, no herpes, but he has a congenital birth defect – eyelid atresia. He was born without upper eyelids. He has some vision, but hair, dirt, stuff gets into his eyes irritating them and making him squint. To help lubricate his eyes the vet gave her some artificial tears gel. In addition to adding moisture to his eyes, the gel is used to “style” the fur away from his eyes.

Warrior plays and acts like any kitten. He learned about napping, and is a wonderful guardian of the heating pad. He has made himself at home with Lorri and her family. He regularly deploys the ultimate kitty weapon. Whenever Lorri picks him up, he dissolves into a boneless bundle of purring furriness.

As seems to be usual, there is good news and bad news in Warrior’s story. He does have some vision, and while his condition cannot be cured, it can be remedied somewhat. A cat in New Jersey was born with no eyelids. See http://www.itchmo.com/a-cat-born-without-eyelids-2657 for her story. Her rescuer was able to get her treated at the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School. The ophthalmic specialist used collagen to stretch the skin around her eyes, and removed fur to keep it from rubbing against her corneas. It is hoped that Warrior will be able to get treatment through the Texas A&M Veterinary School and the teaching hospital services.

IF Warrior is accepted as a patient, the money to cover his treatment will have to come from somewhere… something that is not a cheery prospect at this time, in this economy. For right now, that remains a hurdle to be taken. Please pray that Lorri can get Warrior at least considered by the A&M vets.

I want to thank Lorri for allowing me to write this story. She is a wonderful friend, to animals and humans alike.

Patricia lives with her owner, Maude Penelope, in North Central Texas. Maude Penelope is the Princess of the house (princesses do not have to work, according to Maude Penelope). Patricia makes sure that all of Maude Penelope's needs & most of her wishes are met.