Cat Who Looks A Little Different Is Such A Survivor

Tommy was a stray in Antelope Valley, California, and he frequently visited the same family’s backyard for food and care. He appeared in their garden as usual one day, but this time the poor kitty was terribly damaged and in serious need of help.

Tommy had serious burns all over his face, as if someone had mercilessly thrown acid on him and then abandoned him. The family saw he was in pain and hurried him to a nearby veterinarian. Because of his injuries and the fact that he tested positive for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), the vet wanted to put him down, but the family refused. They decided to contact Milo’s Sanctuary to see if it could help, and after hearing Tommy’s story, the rescue quickly agreed to take him in.

Tommy was immediately transported to the vets who deal with Milo’s Sanctuary, who couldn’t believe the poor cat’s condition. Tommy had skin grafts, plenty of bandaging and rebandaging, and was on a slew of drugs for six weeks before he began to recover. Tommy remained calm and unfazed throughout, never lashing out in response to his anguish and discomfort. Instead, he simply appeared relieved to have someone who cared about him.

“When I took him home, I spend several nights in the bathroom with him to make sure he wasn’t in pain or terrified,” Milo’s Sanctuary president Michele Hoffman told The Dodo. “Throughout his injuries, hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation, he never stopped purring or loving people.”

Tommy, a 9-year-old boy, is now a permanent resident of Milo’s Sanctuary due to certain lingering concerns related to his injuries and FIV. He’s gone a long way since being rescued two years ago, and he’s evolved into a playful, gregarious cat that loves humans and has no idea he’s different from any other cat.

“He enjoys going out in public and meeting new people,” Hoffman added. “He’s a bit of a ham and knows when he’s being photographed.” He adores tuna flakes, which is one of our keys to getting such wonderful shots of him. He’d do almost anything for some tuna flakes.”

Tommy is a natural when it comes to posing for photos…

… and no one can get enough of his endearing, goofy face and amazing posing abilities.

Tommy now only has one eye due to his injuries, but this hasn’t slowed him down in the least. He may appear odd to some, but practically everyone who meets him likes him, and he even has his own Instagram account where he and his buddies at Milo’s Sanctuary help raise awareness about animal abuse.

“It’s been the most incredible experience to be a part of… how much people adore him and how much he’s inspired people all across the globe,” Hoffman added. “Every Thursday, we conduct Cruelty Free Thursday with Tommy and cover different themes on his [Instagram] account, and it is our objective to get people inspired to make a difference locally and worldwide for those who cannot speak for themselves.”

Tommy has come a long way since his days as a stray on the streets, and he will continue to bring joy and awareness about special needs cats and how amazing they can be.

Link to Paws Daily

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