The Rescue of Coco

The evening I pulled Coco from the road I never thought the nearly dead little feline would teach me more about unconditional love than any book, religion or human ever could.

Weighing less than four pounds, her coat dull and rough from malnutrition and unable to stand, I took the pathetic tiny creature home with me.

I put the cat in a warm bed, fed her and named her Coco.

Coco lived in our basement for five months because litterbox training was slow.  She also exhibited strange obsessions, such as running in circles and biting out her fur.

After Coco moved upstairs, several months went well, except for her bizarre behavior.  Then one day Coco stopped using the litterbox, and we did not know why.

I am convinced that Coco has feline hyperesthesia syndrome, also known as self-mutilation syndrome or rolling skin syndrome, which I learned about from Cat Fancy. But no veterinarians I talk to seem to know how to treat it.

Coco has been with us for three years, and we have adjusted to her special needs.  Her loving mom takes her to the litterbox daily, and although not ideal, it works.

My entire heart is dedicated to loving Coco and protecting her.  She loves her basket by the woodstove, the meals Mom brings and lots of affection.   I thank God for having sent her to me.  It was no coincidence; we were meant to be together.

Susan L. Keenan
Blairstown, NJ

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