Life Had Treated This Cat Badly Until He Turned Up Outside My House 4 Years Ago And Now He’s A Sweet And Loving Cat
Chataro turned up outside our house about 4 years ago, covered in fleas and ticks, and infected so badly with mange that his skin was like stone. Turns out that he also has feline leukemia and massive infections in one eye and several of his teeth.
He’s been through surgery for his poor snaggle-tooth face and still needs drops in his eyes every day, but the hardest part is behind him.
I thought that he’d never socialize, being as how life had treated him so badly, and, man, was I ever wrong? He’s loving and sweet and could purr for the Olympics.
I work from home, so we’re always together in the same room, where he sits on the desk staring at me, and from time to time climbing into my lap when he thinks I need a break or there might be the chance of a treat for him.
To paraphrase John Lennon, all you need is love and a lot of medical attention for a while. Chataro looks to be about as happy a cat as one could wish for and knowing that makes my heart soar.
Chataro, when he arrived unannounced 4 years ago
He had trouble even standing
These days, he’s my best bud and doing a whole lot better
Snaggle-tooth the mighty!
Keeping my chair warm for me
Near his favorite window
Chataro likes to sleep on my hat, on my desk
Dreaming (of fish?)
Having a bad tooth day
Just thinking
Wrapped up for the night
In the morning sunshine
Right in front of where I usually sit
Chataro with his ape-man hot-water bottle
Soaking up the warmth
Just before sleep
Chataro showing off the famous snaggle-tooth
Chataro and his buddy the pool man
Even in black and white the gold somehow shines through. At least it does in my mind’s eye
My beautiful boy
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Share on FacebookThanks for saying that. He's such a sweet cat, but it took a little white for him to show it.
Load More Replies...How did you treat all his conditions while he was still feral? The skin and eye infections require hands on treatment. You must have spent so much time and money treating him. I think he may be the most lucky cat in the world.
He was surprisingly docile from the get-go. He was terrified of everything and everyone, so whenever we had to pick him up he'd just go limp. We kept him in a large cage for the first month, and although the door was never shut on it, he spent all of the time huddled into one corner of it. We spent endless hours sitting by the door trying to coax him out with treats and kind words, but it still took over a month. Time wasn't isn't a problem, and money has to be spent on something, so why not a little cat in need? The lucky one in all this is me - I can't tell you how happy he makes me.
Load More Replies...Years ago a pregnant stray turned up at my house. I named her Ragamuffin and took her in so her kittens wouldn't wind up feral. They all found good forever homes, and I had Ragamuffin spayed. She was my companion for a solid 17 years. Rest in peace, Rags.
It's worked both ways. He's brought a whole new dimension to my life.
Load More Replies...This will be the most wonderful story I will read today. Bless you for helping Chataro through all his ailments. He looks quite handsome, happy, and healthy. This ginger boy is now living the life.
Thanks for saying that. When he first came, we were pretty sure he was a short-haired cat. His skin was so badly infected that it turned hard and he's lost a lot of hair, and what he had left mostly fell out. It was lovely to see it grow back so long and golden, and then continue to grow and grow. He's now stunningly handsome as far as I'm concerned.
Load More Replies...He's not sad any more, but he sure is cute.
Load More Replies...He's a beautiful color. I have a snaggle-tooth kitty too, such cute smiles! Thank you for giving him a good life ❤.
His snaggle-toothed mouth gives him real character, not that he needs any more of that. Thank you for your comments.
Load More Replies...You are awesome James! What a beautiful cat! I’m glad you both found each other, made my day.
Thanks for your kind words. I think what's really awesome is that Chataro genuinely seems to like me. It's hard to explain, but in a room full of people, it's my lap he wants to sit in, and my voice he turns when he hears someone speak. Life doesn't get much better than that.
Load More Replies...If there is a heaven, you and Chataro have a place each reserved. Very beautiful kitty.
That's kind of you to say. He's beautiful and he's also a very sweet-natured little thing. According to Mark Twain, when Adam was asked where paradise was, he replied "Anywhere where Eve was." So perhaps I'm already in heaven.
Load More Replies...So gorgeous, you saved eachother. A perfect happy end to a terrible beginning.
I didn't know that I NEEDED saving until Chataro turned up, but there hasn't been a day since he arrived that hasn't turned out the better for him being here.
Load More Replies...He does love that hot water bottle, but only if it has my watch-cap over it and only if I've been wearing the watch-cap during that day!
Load More Replies...Shout that out to anyone and everyone.
Load More Replies...I would live and die for him. No animal deserves to be left to suffer that way. You’re so lucky he chose you.
What breaks my heart is that he was so stoic during the whole time leading up to him coming here, as well as during his recovery. He had such bad skin that every single hair on his body rotted out, and went through painful surgery a couple of times, but he never once complained. He absolutely deserves the best possible life, which is what I'm trying to give him.
Load More Replies...Thank you! Thank you very much for this saved soul! The Earth holds up thanks to such people like you! You are very strong! Thank you very much! I wish you and your ginger friend to be healthy and ALL THE BEST!
What a lovely message Leo, thank you! In truth, all the strength is in the ones rescued, and all the rewards come to me. Best wishes to you too.
Load More Replies...God, he's gorgeous! Amazing that such a handsome cat should have such a terrible backstory. What a love bun!
His long hair took us by surprise, that's for sure.
Load More Replies...Just doing my best, but I have to agree that I'm happy Chataro chose me!
Load More Replies...you are an angel to give him a life every animal deserves! you will be blessed for blessing his life. he is beautiful!
Thanks for your kind words. He IS beautiful, and him being happy and healthy and so full of life are all the blessings I need.
Load More Replies...aaawwwwhhhhh its too cute (more of a dog person but I couldn't help noticing the cats cute face)
Thanks. Dogs, cats, animals, humans, all deserve a shot at life.
Load More Replies...I think some furry kids are real, true angels. They demonstrate spiritual qualities that inspire us to become better human beings than we ever thought we could be. I had an angel cat some years ago named Ziggy. He made me whole and got me through the roughest time in my life. Bless you for saving your little angel 😇
Thanks Lori. I couldn't have put it better myself. All the bad times in my life are waaaaaay behind me, so for the past 20 or so I've been concentrating on making it good for others. People I'm not so good with, but cats I can empathize with and help them along.
Load More Replies...It's not so hard when you think about the alternatives. Plus, just a little effort on our part and we have ourselves our very own miniature lion!
Load More Replies...Thank you for being kind enough to say so.
Load More Replies...You're such a kind human. The way you talk about him makes me smile <3
That just means that YOU are a good person!
Load More Replies...Love you for taking in kitty -Chataro! Yaa you! You truly have a good heart! All my kitties started life as ferals, all become tame with time, protected inside environment, predictable safe life and most important, loving Hooman! Never seen the hot water bottle trick before but mine each have their own heating pad, (make sure to get the always-on kind, not the ones that shut off) where they can sit or leave whenever they want (must give space for them to move off if they get too hot). Love you for your kindness, love Chat, have a wonderful day and give him a kiss for me!
Consider Cha-man kissed for you Topiary, and even though it's early in the am where we are, it's sure to shape up into another wonderful day - hope yours is too. From what you write, we're both doing what we can to help as many of these poor little things as we can, so Yaa to us! Thanks for the heads-up on not using "shut-off" type heating pads.
Load More Replies...So awesome. People get intimidated when they see animals who need extra help. Great job!!!!
I guess you have to kind of look past that, hold your nose (some do pong a bit), put up with a few fleas, and prepare to get bitten and hissed at a bit. If you can handle that, everything from there is plain sailing, plus there's the added bonus of ending up with a little thing that thinks you're amazing, no matter what kind of crappy day you're having.
Load More Replies...Thanks. It seems like lots of people here agree with you!
Load More Replies...He IS beautiful, and if I had to hazard a guess, I'd say he is very happy.
Load More Replies...So cute! He kinda reminds me of the decripsion katniss gives of prims cat in the hunger games. (books)
I don't know those books, but I take it that it's a good thing, so thanks.
Load More Replies...No need. Just be kind to someone for us.
Load More Replies...I just love people like you who takes the time and money to rescue animals in need. Such a beautiful cat!
He is beautiful, but thanks for reminding me. Rescuing animals? How could one not?
Load More Replies...He is beautiful! And he looks so calm and happy. I love happy endings, it just brekas my heart that he got into that state he was in , in the first place.
You can do it Callista. Cats seem to know good people instinctively, and you're obviously good.
Load More Replies...These pictures brought tears of happiness to me. I once rescued a female ginger who was abandoned. She was also declawed. I had her for five years until she passed away. I miss her.
Declawing makes my soul cringe! You did good for your ginger, now you need to get back on your bike and help another, then another, ad infinitum.
Load More Replies...It made me so sad to see the poor baby in that state.. but he looks absolutely glorious in the after-pictures.. He looks like a little lion king to me, and I love orange kitties the most. He's beaaautiful! Thank you for giving him a good life. Any idea around what age he is? I hope he has many years ahead to enjoy his cozy warm spots.
I thought the same thing; he looks like a king. I like his unique markings, too, like watercolors and orange sherbet. Wonderful post:-)
Load More Replies...Thank you for taking a chance in this poor kitty. It's obvious that you were meant to find each other and I wish for you both to have many happy years together. The world needs more people like you in it.
I think one of me is more than enough. The world could use a lot more Chataros though, and kindness, always kindness.
Load More Replies...I love people like you!!! Thank you for taking care of and loving this BEAUTIFUL cat
I love all you people who've made comments on Chataro's story. You're all so lovely and kind-hearted!
Load More Replies...So...cute!!! I agree, in black and white you can see his golden tabby fur! He looks incredibly better than before and looks so fluffy! I myself have to cute rescue cats who went through a lot of medical stuff, but are super happy now. Rescue cats are the best cats, right?
I'm sure that rescue cats seem to be the best because we share a really difficult part of their lives and watch them come out the other end wonderfully healed. We have a 16 year old Abyssinian from a pet store, who we bought before we'd had any experience with strays. Back then, buying from a pet store was somehow OK, and she's been a lovely little thing who dotes on my wife. Won't give me the time of day, but that's OK because some of our strays don't go for my wife much. These days, knowing how many cats and dogs need rescuing and knowing how wonderful they all are, no matter where they came from, it's a no-brainer.
Load More Replies...BEAUTIFUL!!!! i miss my red cat. he disappeared one day and never came back :(
If any of ours went missing, well . . . it doesn't bear thinking about. I'm sorry you lost your red cat Toni. Do you have another to help?
Load More Replies...Thank you. I agree about his eyes. It's as if they're made from liquid gold.
Load More Replies...You are a saint to befriend this unlucky in life boy, until y'all found each other! Bless your soul!!
I assure you, I'm very far from being a saint! Befriending Chataro, and the others, didn't need a second's thought. I know that there are people who turn their backs, but I could never look in a mirror again if I did that. It's like any other job, with its ups and downs, but ultimately it involves turning trash into things of pure beauty, so the rewards far outweigh the work.
Load More Replies...Thanks Mili. I'll tell him you said so.
Load More Replies...Very nice! At first, I thought I had seen him before on youtube, where a cat is caught to receive treatment, one who couldn't move his hind paws and was shuffling them, both behind him upside down due to ... I don't know what happened to him, but he and another cat were caught, repaired, adopted someday last year or so. Anyway - seeing a happy cat makes me think that something, at least something, and some people, at least some people (and another few some, at least some whatever positive) are kind and considerate to our fellow different animals. Getting up and seeing your cat's loving eyes just an inch in front of you ... is like paramount of waking up. I'd love to thank you for being kind towards him - and I'd love to thank Gina for making my place a true home (Gina had to move due to fighting with the other cat in her former household ... here, she's an only-child and gets more trusting every day, and more spoiled every (bit of further) trust. Anyway - thank you, James!
No Youtube appearance for Chataro, so it must have been a different cat you saw. That said, there seems to be an endless parade of them going through their own private hells. My thanks to you for taking in your Gina. That's two down and who knows how many more to go?
Load More Replies...Aww! He looks like he's got a lot of quirks, especially the snaggle-tooth and nicked ear! What a blessing :)
He does have some problems. The snaggle-tooth is because he had a bad infection in one of his canine teeth, which had to be removed, and some of his other teeth point in the wrong directions. The ear was nicked that way by the vet who neutered Chataro. We had originally thought we'd release him after he recovered his health, so his ear was notched like that so people would know in future that he'd already been neutered and could be left to roam. His biggest problem is that he has Feline Lukemia, so we have to be constantly on guard to make sure that doesn't flare up. He's doing well for now though, so with luck he'll live a very long life.
Load More Replies...Animal abuse is just so horrible and no animal or human should ever have to go through that. Animals deserve a kind life with there kind owner. And if you ever find yourself abusing an animal, just think to yourself: what if you were that animal. ❤️
People realize that there is truth in the say ing about" I didn't rescue him rescued me "
Someone had to do something, and around this area 'cat' people are few and far between. Cats are seen as pests here, but just look at what they're missing.
Load More Replies...Thanks for saying that. He's such a sweet cat, but it took a little white for him to show it.
Load More Replies...How did you treat all his conditions while he was still feral? The skin and eye infections require hands on treatment. You must have spent so much time and money treating him. I think he may be the most lucky cat in the world.
He was surprisingly docile from the get-go. He was terrified of everything and everyone, so whenever we had to pick him up he'd just go limp. We kept him in a large cage for the first month, and although the door was never shut on it, he spent all of the time huddled into one corner of it. We spent endless hours sitting by the door trying to coax him out with treats and kind words, but it still took over a month. Time wasn't isn't a problem, and money has to be spent on something, so why not a little cat in need? The lucky one in all this is me - I can't tell you how happy he makes me.
Load More Replies...Years ago a pregnant stray turned up at my house. I named her Ragamuffin and took her in so her kittens wouldn't wind up feral. They all found good forever homes, and I had Ragamuffin spayed. She was my companion for a solid 17 years. Rest in peace, Rags.
It's worked both ways. He's brought a whole new dimension to my life.
Load More Replies...This will be the most wonderful story I will read today. Bless you for helping Chataro through all his ailments. He looks quite handsome, happy, and healthy. This ginger boy is now living the life.
Thanks for saying that. When he first came, we were pretty sure he was a short-haired cat. His skin was so badly infected that it turned hard and he's lost a lot of hair, and what he had left mostly fell out. It was lovely to see it grow back so long and golden, and then continue to grow and grow. He's now stunningly handsome as far as I'm concerned.
Load More Replies...He's not sad any more, but he sure is cute.
Load More Replies...He's a beautiful color. I have a snaggle-tooth kitty too, such cute smiles! Thank you for giving him a good life ❤.
His snaggle-toothed mouth gives him real character, not that he needs any more of that. Thank you for your comments.
Load More Replies...You are awesome James! What a beautiful cat! I’m glad you both found each other, made my day.
Thanks for your kind words. I think what's really awesome is that Chataro genuinely seems to like me. It's hard to explain, but in a room full of people, it's my lap he wants to sit in, and my voice he turns when he hears someone speak. Life doesn't get much better than that.
Load More Replies...If there is a heaven, you and Chataro have a place each reserved. Very beautiful kitty.
That's kind of you to say. He's beautiful and he's also a very sweet-natured little thing. According to Mark Twain, when Adam was asked where paradise was, he replied "Anywhere where Eve was." So perhaps I'm already in heaven.
Load More Replies...So gorgeous, you saved eachother. A perfect happy end to a terrible beginning.
I didn't know that I NEEDED saving until Chataro turned up, but there hasn't been a day since he arrived that hasn't turned out the better for him being here.
Load More Replies...He does love that hot water bottle, but only if it has my watch-cap over it and only if I've been wearing the watch-cap during that day!
Load More Replies...Shout that out to anyone and everyone.
Load More Replies...I would live and die for him. No animal deserves to be left to suffer that way. You’re so lucky he chose you.
What breaks my heart is that he was so stoic during the whole time leading up to him coming here, as well as during his recovery. He had such bad skin that every single hair on his body rotted out, and went through painful surgery a couple of times, but he never once complained. He absolutely deserves the best possible life, which is what I'm trying to give him.
Load More Replies...Thank you! Thank you very much for this saved soul! The Earth holds up thanks to such people like you! You are very strong! Thank you very much! I wish you and your ginger friend to be healthy and ALL THE BEST!
What a lovely message Leo, thank you! In truth, all the strength is in the ones rescued, and all the rewards come to me. Best wishes to you too.
Load More Replies...God, he's gorgeous! Amazing that such a handsome cat should have such a terrible backstory. What a love bun!
His long hair took us by surprise, that's for sure.
Load More Replies...Just doing my best, but I have to agree that I'm happy Chataro chose me!
Load More Replies...you are an angel to give him a life every animal deserves! you will be blessed for blessing his life. he is beautiful!
Thanks for your kind words. He IS beautiful, and him being happy and healthy and so full of life are all the blessings I need.
Load More Replies...aaawwwwhhhhh its too cute (more of a dog person but I couldn't help noticing the cats cute face)
Thanks. Dogs, cats, animals, humans, all deserve a shot at life.
Load More Replies...I think some furry kids are real, true angels. They demonstrate spiritual qualities that inspire us to become better human beings than we ever thought we could be. I had an angel cat some years ago named Ziggy. He made me whole and got me through the roughest time in my life. Bless you for saving your little angel 😇
Thanks Lori. I couldn't have put it better myself. All the bad times in my life are waaaaaay behind me, so for the past 20 or so I've been concentrating on making it good for others. People I'm not so good with, but cats I can empathize with and help them along.
Load More Replies...It's not so hard when you think about the alternatives. Plus, just a little effort on our part and we have ourselves our very own miniature lion!
Load More Replies...Thank you for being kind enough to say so.
Load More Replies...You're such a kind human. The way you talk about him makes me smile <3
That just means that YOU are a good person!
Load More Replies...Love you for taking in kitty -Chataro! Yaa you! You truly have a good heart! All my kitties started life as ferals, all become tame with time, protected inside environment, predictable safe life and most important, loving Hooman! Never seen the hot water bottle trick before but mine each have their own heating pad, (make sure to get the always-on kind, not the ones that shut off) where they can sit or leave whenever they want (must give space for them to move off if they get too hot). Love you for your kindness, love Chat, have a wonderful day and give him a kiss for me!
Consider Cha-man kissed for you Topiary, and even though it's early in the am where we are, it's sure to shape up into another wonderful day - hope yours is too. From what you write, we're both doing what we can to help as many of these poor little things as we can, so Yaa to us! Thanks for the heads-up on not using "shut-off" type heating pads.
Load More Replies...So awesome. People get intimidated when they see animals who need extra help. Great job!!!!
I guess you have to kind of look past that, hold your nose (some do pong a bit), put up with a few fleas, and prepare to get bitten and hissed at a bit. If you can handle that, everything from there is plain sailing, plus there's the added bonus of ending up with a little thing that thinks you're amazing, no matter what kind of crappy day you're having.
Load More Replies...Thanks. It seems like lots of people here agree with you!
Load More Replies...He IS beautiful, and if I had to hazard a guess, I'd say he is very happy.
Load More Replies...So cute! He kinda reminds me of the decripsion katniss gives of prims cat in the hunger games. (books)
I don't know those books, but I take it that it's a good thing, so thanks.
Load More Replies...No need. Just be kind to someone for us.
Load More Replies...I just love people like you who takes the time and money to rescue animals in need. Such a beautiful cat!
He is beautiful, but thanks for reminding me. Rescuing animals? How could one not?
Load More Replies...He is beautiful! And he looks so calm and happy. I love happy endings, it just brekas my heart that he got into that state he was in , in the first place.
You can do it Callista. Cats seem to know good people instinctively, and you're obviously good.
Load More Replies...These pictures brought tears of happiness to me. I once rescued a female ginger who was abandoned. She was also declawed. I had her for five years until she passed away. I miss her.
Declawing makes my soul cringe! You did good for your ginger, now you need to get back on your bike and help another, then another, ad infinitum.
Load More Replies...It made me so sad to see the poor baby in that state.. but he looks absolutely glorious in the after-pictures.. He looks like a little lion king to me, and I love orange kitties the most. He's beaaautiful! Thank you for giving him a good life. Any idea around what age he is? I hope he has many years ahead to enjoy his cozy warm spots.
I thought the same thing; he looks like a king. I like his unique markings, too, like watercolors and orange sherbet. Wonderful post:-)
Load More Replies...Thank you for taking a chance in this poor kitty. It's obvious that you were meant to find each other and I wish for you both to have many happy years together. The world needs more people like you in it.
I think one of me is more than enough. The world could use a lot more Chataros though, and kindness, always kindness.
Load More Replies...I love people like you!!! Thank you for taking care of and loving this BEAUTIFUL cat
I love all you people who've made comments on Chataro's story. You're all so lovely and kind-hearted!
Load More Replies...So...cute!!! I agree, in black and white you can see his golden tabby fur! He looks incredibly better than before and looks so fluffy! I myself have to cute rescue cats who went through a lot of medical stuff, but are super happy now. Rescue cats are the best cats, right?
I'm sure that rescue cats seem to be the best because we share a really difficult part of their lives and watch them come out the other end wonderfully healed. We have a 16 year old Abyssinian from a pet store, who we bought before we'd had any experience with strays. Back then, buying from a pet store was somehow OK, and she's been a lovely little thing who dotes on my wife. Won't give me the time of day, but that's OK because some of our strays don't go for my wife much. These days, knowing how many cats and dogs need rescuing and knowing how wonderful they all are, no matter where they came from, it's a no-brainer.
Load More Replies...BEAUTIFUL!!!! i miss my red cat. he disappeared one day and never came back :(
If any of ours went missing, well . . . it doesn't bear thinking about. I'm sorry you lost your red cat Toni. Do you have another to help?
Load More Replies...Thank you. I agree about his eyes. It's as if they're made from liquid gold.
Load More Replies...You are a saint to befriend this unlucky in life boy, until y'all found each other! Bless your soul!!
I assure you, I'm very far from being a saint! Befriending Chataro, and the others, didn't need a second's thought. I know that there are people who turn their backs, but I could never look in a mirror again if I did that. It's like any other job, with its ups and downs, but ultimately it involves turning trash into things of pure beauty, so the rewards far outweigh the work.
Load More Replies...Thanks Mili. I'll tell him you said so.
Load More Replies...Very nice! At first, I thought I had seen him before on youtube, where a cat is caught to receive treatment, one who couldn't move his hind paws and was shuffling them, both behind him upside down due to ... I don't know what happened to him, but he and another cat were caught, repaired, adopted someday last year or so. Anyway - seeing a happy cat makes me think that something, at least something, and some people, at least some people (and another few some, at least some whatever positive) are kind and considerate to our fellow different animals. Getting up and seeing your cat's loving eyes just an inch in front of you ... is like paramount of waking up. I'd love to thank you for being kind towards him - and I'd love to thank Gina for making my place a true home (Gina had to move due to fighting with the other cat in her former household ... here, she's an only-child and gets more trusting every day, and more spoiled every (bit of further) trust. Anyway - thank you, James!
No Youtube appearance for Chataro, so it must have been a different cat you saw. That said, there seems to be an endless parade of them going through their own private hells. My thanks to you for taking in your Gina. That's two down and who knows how many more to go?
Load More Replies...Aww! He looks like he's got a lot of quirks, especially the snaggle-tooth and nicked ear! What a blessing :)
He does have some problems. The snaggle-tooth is because he had a bad infection in one of his canine teeth, which had to be removed, and some of his other teeth point in the wrong directions. The ear was nicked that way by the vet who neutered Chataro. We had originally thought we'd release him after he recovered his health, so his ear was notched like that so people would know in future that he'd already been neutered and could be left to roam. His biggest problem is that he has Feline Lukemia, so we have to be constantly on guard to make sure that doesn't flare up. He's doing well for now though, so with luck he'll live a very long life.
Load More Replies...Animal abuse is just so horrible and no animal or human should ever have to go through that. Animals deserve a kind life with there kind owner. And if you ever find yourself abusing an animal, just think to yourself: what if you were that animal. ❤️
People realize that there is truth in the say ing about" I didn't rescue him rescued me "
Someone had to do something, and around this area 'cat' people are few and far between. Cats are seen as pests here, but just look at what they're missing.
Load More Replies...
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