A cat with a personality of a teddy is so happy to have the perfect place to help him live the best life.
A 5-year-old cat named Houston journeyed his way to Tabby's Place, a cat sanctuary in Ringoes, New Jersey, with the help of numerous kind-hearted people. He looked a bit haggard and was in need of a great deal of TLC.
"From the hour of his arrival, he was a warm-hearted little woolly bear, bursting with affection and excitement just to be alive and to be beloved," Angela Hartley, development director of Tabby's Place, told Love Meow.
Besides being just skin and bones and covered in mats, Houston came with a host of medical challenges. "He was not entirely artful. He was entirely awesome."
Houston had severe hydrocephalus (water on the brain) and was unable to fully open his eyes due to swelling. Despite it all, the sweet-natured Siamese was instantly affectionate towards people and appreciative of their assistance.
"He started making merry little 'muffins' with his paws even as our team gently teased out the tangles from his badly matted coat."
Tabby's Place consulted a veterinary neurologist so Houston could receive the best care to remedy his condition. With pressure reduced around his brain, he started to improve and even bounced back on his feet.
Everyone was so elated when Houston was able to fully reveal his beautiful sky-blue orbs and meow with his new-found strength.
"We are devoted to specifically those cats in the most desperate circumstances. As usual, Houston has already given us more than we could ever give him," Angela shared with Love Meow.
The sweet feline now has his very own kitty suite padded with blankets to protect his head, and allow him to play and move around safely. He has made great strides and rediscovered his inner-kitten.
Houston seizes every opportunity to cuddle with his people and insists on giving them their daily Houston-fix.
"He is one of the zestiest, most wonderstruck little marvels we've ever met. He seems to approach every day with starry eyes, smitten with life itself and with everyone he meets. He loves to be held, cuddled, and even bathed."
Being catered to is his favorite pastime as he switches on his purr motor, rumbling in high gear. He may be a bit wobbly when he navigates around his turf, but nothing seems to bother him at the slightest.
"Houston loves uprighting himself every time he falls. He loves high-steppin' with exactly one of his back legs. Houston has absolutely no idea what he's doing. He is doing it all with all his heart."
The round-faced wonder cat has found a safe haven where he gets top-notch care to ensure a happy, comfortable, love-filled life.
"This sweet boy refuses to let his disability stop him from living life to the fullest. As soon as he sees you, he perks up and is eager for attention. Houston loves to knead and knead in all his blankets, beds, and the arms of humans. All he wants to do is love and be loved."
For 18 years, Tabby's Place has been a trusted sanctuary for the cats who "no one else wants." Their Quinn's Corner will be a first-of-its-kind haven to help the most vulnerable cats of all: cats with feline leukemia virus (FeLV).
"The very cats whose lives were short on sunshine will now bask in the bliss of a world made just for them."
Houston continues to touch people's hearts with his teddy bear personality. He is excited to wake up every day and be surrounded by love.
Share this story with your friends. To support Houston and cats like him at Tabby's Place, visit their website at tabbysplace.org for more info. Follow Tabby's Place on Facebook and Instagram @tabbysplace.
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