Home to Home: Dakota
Tuesday, January 22, 2008

4-year-old gray domestic shorthair cat

Dakota is approximately 4 years old.  She is an abuse/neglect case.  She was emaciated and weak when she was found by a friend in September of 2005.  She was infested with worms and fleas and close to death.  My friend took her to his local vet.  They admitted her for a few days and from there Dakota began her road to recovery.  

Dakota tested negative for FIV and FeLV.  She is current on her vaccinations and spayed.  She is also internal and external parasite free.  Dakota does have chronic eye discharge.  My vet feels this could be due to the herpes virus.  When her eyes act up, she needs daily eye drops and I add lysine to her food.   

Dakota has been with me for 3 years now.  She was initially placed in a temporary foster home with a friend with no other pets.  Dakota flourished in her care.  She gained weight and was very playful and affectionate.  She slept in bed with her foster mother and she let my friend brush her and trim her nails.  She was so happy there.  Her foster mother could no longer care for Dakota due a problem with her landlord so Dakota was returned to me.  

She has been very unhappy in my home and hides in my basement 80% of the time.  She would prefer to be an only pet.  She doesn’t care much for other cats, but she seems fine with my dogs as long as they are calm.  Dakota can be very affectionate and playful if she feels safe.  We will sometimes put her in the bedroom and lock the other cats out.  She loves feather toys, laser toys, and squeaky mice.  She has become very overweight and needs a lot of exercise.  She is a stress eater.  If she has a confrontation with any cats she immediately goes to her food bowl and eats.  Dakota has become moody during her time with us.  She no longer wants us to brush her and she now fights us during nail trims.  She enjoys being petted, but swats at us if another cat walks into the room.  Everything is stressful to her.  Dakota will do wonderfully in a home as an only pet.  She would be great for someone that is retired and needs a companion. 

This little girl deserves to be happy and feel safe and loved after all that she’s been through.  Please consider adopting Dakota.  Even a temporary foster home would be great.  She could use a break from our home.  I do require a home inspection. 

Please contact Melanie at 724-266-7557 or petrescue@comcast.net.