The Cat that Stole My Heart | The Animal Rescue Site
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Simon was born outside and was the only kitten in his litter to survive. He had no mother to show him how to behave, so he was a little devil from the beginning. He scratched, bit, and even left his mouth open like a crocodile waiting to snap if you touched him the wrong way. I did not think I could handle such a wild kitten.
Photo: Conni Watson
I researched how to help cats stop biting and scratching, and I took the time to teach him instead of giving up. It took a while, but as the months went on, he calmed down a bit. He still had plenty of cattitude when he was unhappy, but the moments when he showed love by head-butting, licking, or staring at me with pure affection were wonderful. It meant even more because of how grumpy he could be. He really showed me how much he loved me.
In 2007, Simon developed cancer in his left front leg. I was crushed. My baby was sick, and I was terrified I was going to lose him. We decided to remove his leg and hope the cancer would not spread. It was one of the hardest times I have ever gone through. Seeing your beloved pet in pain, scared, and sick is truly heartbreaking.
After a long six weeks, Simon was himself again. It was a difficult time, and I wondered whether I had done the right thing. I had. He was getting around wonderfully on three legs and showing the other cats who was boss.
It has been over five years now, and Simon is still doing great. You would never know he lost a leg. He still has plenty of cattitude, but he is also the sweetest, most loving, cuddly cat. I am so glad he is in my life and that I took the time to help him rather than give up on an unruly kitten. He truly is a part of my heart.
I wrote a blog about Simon’s cancer journey. You can read more about him here: Simon’s Journey Cancer Blog
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Story submitted by Conni Watson from St. Catharines, ON.
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Share your very own rescue story here!
