Circe is a young adult brown tabby with a heart full of love and an unbreakable spirit. When he arrived at Nuzzles from another shelter, it was clear something wasn’t quite right. He had a noticeably unsteady and irregular gait, and a thorough exam by our veterinary team revealed the challenges he had been quietly enduring.
Circe had an eyelid condition that caused painful rubbing against his eye, along with evidence of old trauma to his spine and hips. X-rays taken during a sedated exam showed just how serious his injuries were: his left hip was dislocated, and, to our shock, a bullet was lodged in the neck of his left femur. He also exhibited paresis, or partial paralysis, in his hind legs, which was likely due to a spinal injury sustained at the same time as the trauma to his hips.
Our veterinary team put together a comprehensive treatment plan, including staggered surgeries on both hips (a procedure called an FHO) and surgery to correct his eyelid issue. Along the way, Circe also received the standard care we provide for all Nuzzles cats: broad-spectrum deworming, microchip, neuter surgery, and vaccines to protect him from infectious diseases.
Despite everything he’s been through, Circe has been a remarkably cheerful and affectionate patient. He’s already undergone two surgeries — the first to correct his eye and neuter him, and the second to repair his left hip. A third surgery, scheduled for late November, will address the bullet lodged in his femur.
Circe has been recovering in the loving care of our cat vet, Dr. Burnside, and he’s doing remarkably well. He eats like a champion, walks around to explore, and bravely navigates his surroundings. Circe is bearing weight and slowly regaining strength. He’s even using the litter box on his own, though he’s been set up in safe areas with yoga mats to give him extra traction while he heals. When he’s awake, he is all cuddles and sweetness, though much of his time is spent sleeping, as his body heals.
Circe still has a long road ahead, but every step brings him closer to living a full and happy life. His care has been a significant investment—but he’s worth every penny. We anticipate he’ll be ready for adoption by early December and believe he’ll thrive as a loving, indoor-only companion. While he may need some ongoing support for his spinal cord injury, Circe will undoubtedly bring lots of joy and affection to his new home.
Please consider making a donation today to support Circe’s care and upcoming surgery. Together, we can help him complete his journey from survival to triumph and ensure he finds the loving home he deserves.
