Roxanne, an experienced cat fosterer for Pet Haven in Minnesota, came across a photo of Zac, a young kitten in desperate need of additional TLC. She felt an immediate compulsion to help the eight-week-old furry companion.
Roxanne recalls that he was in a dreadful state, with urine burns and feces dripping down the backs of his legs.
Unfortunately, the treatment did not alleviate Zac’s diarrhea and fecal incontinence. Roxanne discovered that Zac was receiving veterinary care in Indiana for possible intestinal parasites, but the treatment did not alleviate his diarrhea and fecal incontinence. She initially believed that Zac only required medication and a balanced diet, but when he arrived at her home in Saint Paul, Minnesota in July 2019, he was accompanied by two other kittens: one with an infected wound and the other with one eye missing. Roxanne anticipated caring for a group of outcasts, but she was unaware of Zac’s condition’s severity.
Despite receiving medication and a nutritious diet, Zac’s condition showed no signs of improvement. Roxanne consulted a number of veterinary specialists in order to determine the cause of her dog’s persistent diarrhea and feces incontinence. Roxanne recalls, “I visited a number of veterinarians in the hopes of receiving insightful advice or recommendations, but the majority appeared repulsed by Zac.” Numerous veterinarians expressed sympathy for her plight, but no one had any constructive suggestions.
Roxanne remained steadfast in her pursuit of the underlying cause of Zac’s symptoms, despite encountering obstacles. She chose to take him to a specialized clinic for an x-ray of his spine. Roxanne was relieved that no spinal fractures were found, but she was frustrated by the lack of a definitive diagnosis for Zac’s incontinence. Roxanne explains that Zac’s condition could not be linked to a specific cause, but it was believed that he may have sustained an injury comparable to a tail pull, resulting in diminished sensation around his spine and tail. The clinic informed Roxanne that the majority of patients would choose euthanasia, but she refused to give up on Zac and instead wished her luck.
Zac was fortunate that his foster mother did not give up on him and euthanize him. She continued to look for solutions and never gave up hope. According to Roxanne, this required a great deal of persistence, cleaning, and scrubbing. Zac’s dislike of baths made the process even more difficult.
During one of Zac’s routine checkups with Roxanne, they visited a new clinic where they met a young veterinarian who recommended a prescription food that could alleviate his symptoms. Surprisingly, the recommended food was successful in treating Zac’s fecal incontinence, despite the fact that he had previously tried several other options. Roxanne was astounded that such a small suggestion could improve her and Zac’s lives. Due to the advice of the veterinarian, Zac can now live a relatively normal life.
Before his adoption in February 2021, Zac had lived with Roxanne for more than a year. Unfortunately, Zac was returned to Roxanne in November 2021, less than a year later, due to the adopter’s health issues. Roxanne was relieved to receive Zac back and is currently searching for a new adopter who can provide him with a loving home where he can thrive. Roxanne emphasizes that the ideal adoptive parent must prioritize Zac’s mental and physical health and value his unique personality characteristics.
Even though Zac’s fecal incontinence has significantly improved since Roxanne brought him home in July 2019, occasional accidents still occur. Due to his inability to wear diapers, Roxanne has modified his living situation by giving him a room that is simple to clean in the event of an accident. This includes the use of items that can be easily cleaned or discarded. Roxanne has established an easy-to-manage schedule for cleaning and changing blankets. Overall, both Zac and Roxanne have found this arrangement to be effective and stress-free.
In addition to his freedom to roam the house and interact with other cats, Zac enjoys not being confined to a single room. Whenever Roxanne is present, he is free to play and explore the home. Intriguingly, this one-of-a-kind cat is fond of his feline companions, particularly Roxanne’s cat, Moe. Additionally, the cat enjoys spending time outdoors, but only under supervision. According to Roxanne, Zac thinks he is quick and enjoys running across the yard.
Zac enjoys playing with toys such as laser pointers and crinkle toys, but his greatest pleasure is interacting with people. During movie time, he enjoys cuddling up with Roxanne and seeks out opportunities to give her warm hugs. According to Roxanne, Zac expresses his love by giving her bear hugs on the floor and cuddling with her on the couch. Excessive drooling and occasional goose-like honks in his meows demonstrate his happiness, and he purrs loudly and contentedly.
Roxanne has made it her mission to find Zac, a unique and special cat, a permanent, loving home. She is determined to find someone who will accept Zac as he is and provide him with the necessary care and attention, despite the difficulty of the task. Roxanne considers it essential that whoever adopts Zac recognizes that while his symptoms can be managed, they may not completely disappear. Therefore, his cleanliness and happiness are of the utmost importance. Roxanne explains that accommodating Zac does not have to be overwhelming or consume one’s entire home. Simply be willing to make adjustments and give him the love and care he deserves.
Roxanne will undoubtedly feel a sense of loss upon Zac finding his forever home, as he has touched her heart in a special way. Despite having fostered numerous cats over the years, none have shown as much affection as Zac. Every morning, Zac greets Roxanne with a unique goose-honk meow, followed by an endearing stretchy hug, purring with genuine joy at her presence. His adoring gaze and drooling indicate that spending time with Roxanne is his all-time favorite activity.
Although Zac’s absence will be felt, Roxanne takes comfort in the knowledge that this exceptional and affectionate cat will transform the life of someone else. Roxanne comments that Zac is a guiding light in her daily existence, and she believes that everyone deserves to experience his unconditional love. You can follow Zac on Instagram if you want to follow his adventures. Moreover, if you are interested in adopting Zac, you may submit an application.