Keeping Our Cats Safe: Coraline’s Cautionary Tale
Meet Coraline, a stunning two-year-old Tortoiseshell cat with a heart as beautiful as her coat. Coraline was found wandering as a stray and brought to our local animal shelter. She had developed an abscess, and when she arrived at HART, our Bredel Clinic team immediately began treatment.
During her intake exam, our team discovered that Coraline had already been spayed, a clear sign that she had once belonged to someone. But as her treatment continued, we uncovered something heartbreaking: her abscess was caused by buckshot wounds. X-rays revealed that Coraline had been shot, leaving 17 pellets scattered throughout her body.
Our veterinary team removed as many pellets as possible during surgery, and Coraline is now safely recovering in our Cattery. Despite everything she’s endured, she remains gentle, loving, and the sweetest soul. Coraline’s strength and resilience have inspired everyone at HART, she’s a true survivor.
Coraline’s story serves as a powerful reminder of how important it is to keep our pets safe and supervised, especially our feline companions. Cats who are allowed outdoors face many risks, including traffic, wildlife, illness, or experiencing other harm, like in Coraline’s case. Because Coraline was spayed, we know she once had a home, but we’ll never know how her story took such a painful turn.
Here are a few ways to help protect your furry family members and help them find their way home if they ever go missing:
Microchip your pets. A microchip provides peace of mind and a permanent form of identification. To schedule a quick and easy microchip appointment at HART, call 301.387.7729. Our veterinary team will implant a small chip under your pet’s skin that links to your contact information, making it easy for shelters, vets, and animal control to reunite you with your pet.
Keep ID tags current. Make sure your pet’s collar fits properly and that their tags have up-to-date contact information.
Never leave pets unattended outdoors. Even calm, well-trained pets can panic, chase wildlife, or wander too far. Supervise them whenever they’re outside, especially in unfamiliar areas.
Stories like Coraline’s remind us why your support matters so deeply. Many pets arrive at HART in need of urgent medical care before they’re ready for adoption, and that care is only possible thanks to compassionate supporters like you.
Help us give more pets like Coraline their second chance. Your donation provides lifesaving veterinary care, rescue and transport, nourishment, and hope for animals in need.
For all your pet care needs, call the HART Animal Center at 301.387.7729 to schedule an appointment, or visit www.hartforanimals.org to learn more about our services, make a donation, or explore ways to get involved.
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