As Fort Worth, Texas, sweltered under summer’s relentless heat, many residents sought refuge indoors, leaving the town eerily quiet during the day. That’s why local homeowner Meredith Bammel was taken aback one humid July morning when she was jolted awake by the distressing cries emanating from her front lawn.
Rushing outside, Bammel was met with an unexpected sight: a soft carrier containing a mother cat and her three kittens, all of them frightened and meowing.
“A friend of ours found this situation in her yard,” Laura Grice, director of Saving Hope Rescue (SHR), shared. “The carrier was left outside, with no protection from the rising temperatures, and the little family was in desperate need of help.”
With an intense heatwave approaching, Bammel, who was in the midst of a home remodel and had no suitable space for the cats, faced a pressing challenge. She quickly reached out to SHR, who sprang into action to find emergency foster care for the family.
Upon closer inspection, Bammel and the rescuers discovered something unusual: the kittens were Manx cats, born without tails due to Manx syndrome—a genetic condition that can lead to significant neurological issues.
“Manx syndrome can affect the function of a tailless cat’s hind legs, urinary bladder, and colon,” explained Dr. Anne E. Katherman, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology). “Neurological problems are common, depending on how severely the spinal cord is affected.”
Concerned about potential neurological damage, SHR’s veterinary team conducted a thorough check-up. Fortunately, the results showed that the cats were in excellent health.
“Fortunately, the family was rescued just in time before the heat became too intense,” SHR posted on Facebook. “They were brought to the vet and checked out in great condition.”
With a loving foster home secured, the family began to thrive away from the scorching Texas sun. The mother cat was able to care for her kittens, watching them grow into independent little felines.
Among the kittens, Ted (nicknamed Teddy Bear) quickly captured the hearts of everyone at SHR. “Ted is the sweetest, most relaxed kitten,” said SHR. “His snuggles are irresistible, and his gentle gaze can melt anyone’s heart.”
The SHR team, enamored with Ted and his siblings, eagerly sought forever homes for them. Their wishes were soon fulfilled. “All the cats have been adopted!” Grice announced.
As the summer heat persists across Texas, these resilient Manx cats now enjoy the comfort and love of their new families, finally receiving the care and shelter they deserve.