Fig - Domestic Short Hair Cat for Adoption in Rochester, Minnesota

A movie could be made of Fig's life story. But it still needs a happy ending. Could you be the person that writes it?

Back in January 2021, Fig went from being in a home, to being left outside in the cold in a carrier with her soft, blue pet bed. She was left in the early morning, in a place where she would be noticed quickly by someone going to work or school, not far from animal control so we know she was cared for.

After a short stay at animal control, Fig found her way to a Camp Companion foster home. The vet discovered a tattoo indicating she was already spayed and she was in good health, so she was soon ready to find a new home. Fig was adopted by a kind person within a month or two and she seemed to have found her place.

In November 2022, Camp Companion was notified that Fig was being returned. We were told she had stopped using the litterbox and was not cleaning/grooming herself; issues that were damaging the floors and furniture in her home. Fig had reportedly been checked for medical issues (none were identified) and numerous attempts had been made to find a solution, but nothing had worked.

Arrangements were made for Fig to come back to her previous foster home, where it was immediately evident that she had become extremely obese. After several days' observation, her foster Mom discovered that the changes in Fig's behavior were due to her weight increase. She could only walk about 10 steps before having to rest, wasn't able to get into a litterbox (even an extra large one, with very low sides), and the only part of her body she could reach to groom was her front paws.

Morbid obesity can lead to major health issues in cats, so Fig was off to the vet for a round of tests to be sure her liver, kidneys and thyroid were functioning properly and there was no underlying health issue that caused the weight gain. With the assurance that overfeeding was the cause, it was time to start getting her back in shape. To avoid causing damage to her health, this was a long process of slowly reducing her food over time, until she was eating two meals a day appropriate for the size she should be. Which was about 9 pounds less than her weight when returned. Not an easy task for Fig or her foster Mom, especially in a house full of other cats!

Although she could still stand to lose a pound or two, Fig is now ready to find her forever home. She will need to be on a restricted diet for life, and needs to be in a home committed to following it. It's not fancy or expensive - wet food only, a 3 oz can morning and evening. She is currently eating Fancy Feast Pate, served on a licking pad to slow consumption.

Fig is a sweet, affection girl. She's not demanding, but does like to be near her person and will grab your hand to remind you to keep petting her. She loves all forms of catnip, soft beds and talking. She does fine living with other cats, but will tell them if they get too close. She's not likely to play with other cats, but nap buddies are appreciated. Not sure about dogs, but would expect she'd adapt to a cat savvy dog that's not very active. She would be fine with respectful kids.

From Fig's foster Mom - as long as you follow her diet, Fig consistently uses her litterbox and keeps herself well groomed. Too much wet food, or feeding dry kibble, results in diarrhea, swollen, painful anal tissue and litterbox issues. Things return to normal about two weeks after her diet is reinstated. Trust me, I know from experience.

Application www.campcompanion.org

The domestic short hair cat is a popular and diverse breed known for its unique personalities and low maintenance care. These cats come in various colors and patterns, with short, easy to manage coats that require minimal grooming. Domestic short hairs are friendly, adaptable, and make wonderful companions for individuals and families alike. They possess playful and affectionate qualities that endear them to many, making them one of the most beloved and widely adopted cat breeds worldwide.