In the world of cats, some touch our hearts with their unique stories, whether or not they actually require special care. One such cat is Petunia, whose tale of resilience began at the Lake County Animal Shelter in Florida.
While volunteering there, Emily Blythe encountered Petunia, a female tabby with previous facial injuries. It was love at first sight for Emily, who quickly decided to foster the charming feline. “I volunteered to take her in and the rest is history,” Emily recalls.
The shelter had named the courageous cat Petunia. As days turned into weeks, her background came to light: Petunia and her kittens had been rescued by a kind person and brought to safety.
Initially, it was believed that her facial injuries were natural. However, further vet examinations revealed a darker truth.
Emily explained: “She was shot by her owners when she was a kitten because they thought she was a rat. Petunia lost a good proportion of her left puppet lip area and her nostril.”
Despite the trauma, Petunia survived and continued caring for her kittens until her rescue led her to Emily.
This harrowing incident left Petunia with lasting health issues, such as breathing difficulties and facial sensitivity. When Emily decided to foster Petunia, she made sure the cat felt cherished and secure.
Over time, their bond deepened to the point where separation was not an option. Emily chose to give Petunia a permanent home, providing the love and stability she deserved.
A year after her adoption, Petunia exceeded Emily’s expectations by not facing any severe health setbacks. “We have to be careful with her health because of her breathing issues.
She is prone to upper respiratory infections,” Emily shared. Eating was also challenging, as Petunia fed using only the right side of her mouth, and she was sensitive around her chin.
Despite these quirks, Petunia lived like any other feline, visiting the vet bi-annually for preventive care. Her distinctive appearance often led to misunderstandings; nevertheless, Petunia was incredibly loving and friendly.
“She is very loving. She likes to snuggle and rub her face against yours, so much so that you can smell her breath,” Emily expressed.
Petunia was more than just an affectionate cat; she also had a penchant for snoozing in her favorite spots. Emily noted, “She loves to sleep in my son’s bean bag chair—you can find her there at all times of the day.”
Even after adopting Petunia, Emily continued to foster other cats and kittens. Although Petunia wasn’t particularly fond of adult foster cats, she was quite tolerant of the younger ones, almost as if recognizing their need for care, much like her past self.
Emily admired her extraordinary feline friend, remarking, “We call Petunia—and animals like her—perfectly imperfect.
The animals that come into the shelter every day that are passed over—too young, too old, mother cats, the scarred ones, the sick and injured.
Petunia and other animals have so much love to give, but are often overlooked.” Through Emily’s love, Petunia overcame a painful past, finding joy and a loving family.
Though Petunia eventually crossed the Rainbow Bridge due to an infection she couldn’t overcome, she left an indelible mark on Emily’s heart. “Petunia, you made my life wonderful!” Emily fondly remembers.
Petunia’s story serves as a reminder that love has the power to heal the deepest wounds and that every pet, regardless of their history, has boundless love to offer.
Read more Dogs News.