Nemo, a young orange tabby, was spotted by a caring passerby in Burnaby who contacted the BC SPCA’s emergency night line to get some help for this severely injured stray cat. A staff member was dispatched and Nemo was immediately taken to an emergency vet.
Nemo would require 48 hours of emergency care for his lengthy list of injuries including a front leg with severe nerve damage and a punctured lung. “Unfortunately, the veterinarian determined that the nerve damage to Nemo’s leg was so severe that they were not able to save it,” says Nicole McBain, manager of the BC SPCA’s Burnaby animal centre. “He was unable to use the leg and had no pain response at all.” This kind of nerve damage is quite common in cats who have experienced serious trauma. Based on Nemo’s injuries it is suspected he was hit by a car.
Nemo would spend time in a BC SPCA foster home while he recovered from his amputation surgery and other injuries. He was made available for adoption on the BC SPCA website and that is when Amber’s daughter spotted him and started the campaign for her mom to adopt him.
“We had a cat named Gizmo who recently passed away at the age of fourteen,” says Amber. “It was so hard to say goodbye that I told myself I was not going to adopt another cat. Then my daughter, Keira, saw Nemo and told me I had to see him,” she says. “I took one look and changed my mind completely. I was going to do everything in my power to bring him home.”
Their first meeting at Nemo’s foster home went well. “My wife and daughter were there as well,” says Amber. “Nemo was just so loving and vocal.” He was soon making himself at home, spending as much time as possible snuggled up to someone on the couch. “His favourite spot in the home is anywhere we are,” she says.
Will Nemo still only eat when he has company? Amber says that he will eat on his own, but he doesn’t love it. “One day he was ‘yelling’ by his food bowl,” she says. “I went over and sat beside him and then he happily ate his meal. He has this fabulous, big personality. When he isn’t getting his way, he has this particular ‘meow’ and he gives you a swat with his paw.”
Amber cannot believe how well he has recovered from his amputation surgery and adapted to being a tripod. “The way he runs up our stairs and plays with his toys, it is so inspiring,” she says. “Nothing slows him down.” Speaking of toys, his favourite is a fish that flops around when you put a paw on the belly and anything with catnip in it.
“In the past I have only adopted kittens. I didn’t think I would ever want an older cat, but having Nemo in my life has completely changed my mind,” says Amber. “Nemo has been such a blessing.”
Stray cat who hates to eat alone recovering from serious injuries
Original story: February 29, 2024
Nemo, as named by BC SPCA staff, is a one-year-old orange tabby who was found at the corner of Cariboo Road and Gaglardi Way in Burnaby by a Good Samaritan.
“The BC SPCA’s Night Emergency line got the call about an injured stray cat and dispatched a staff member to transport him to a 24-hour emergency vet,” says Nicole McBain, manager of the BC SPCA’s Burnaby community animal centre. “He required 48 hours of emergency care for his long list of injuries.”
Nemo had a pneumothorax (collapsed lung), his front right leg sustained severe nerve damage and he has a fractured tooth which will need to be removed. He was given pain medication, antibiotics, fluids and had a series of x-rays.
“Unfortunately, the veterinarian determined that the nerve damage to Nemo’s leg was so severe that they were not able to save it,” says McBain. “He is unable to use the leg and has no pain response at all. This kind of nerve damage is quite common in cats who have experienced serious trauma.” Based on Nemo’s injuries it is suspected he was hit by a car.
“This boy has been super sweet and affectionate with all of the staff here at the BC SPCA and at the vet clinic,” says McBain. “He just loves to receive pets and cuddles and adores kisses on his head.”
He also hates to eat alone. “Because he was a stray and has had to find his own food, we thought he would just scarf down anything we put in front of him, but he won’t eat unless someone sits with him,” says McBain. “Once he has company, the food disappears quickly.”
What is next for this cat who loves scritches, cheek rubs and looking out the window? “Nemo is currently recovering from his amputation and neuter surgery at one of the BC SPCA’s foster homes, but once he has been cleared by the veterinarian, he will be available for adoption,” says McBain.
When Petsecure Pet Health Insurance* learned about Nemo’s injuries, the company generously offered to match all medical donations up to $3,500 to help with his care and other animals who need urgent medical help.
Look for Nemo on the adoption page of the BC SPCA’s website in the next few weeks.
*Supported by a grant from Definity Insurance Foundation, with funding from the Definity Insurance Company.