Fred's Hidden Wounds Nearly Cost Him His Life

Fred is a community cat who has spent his life surviving outdoors. When his caregiver noticed what appeared to be an injury near the base of his tail, she knew he needed help and reached out to Cat & Release of Palm Beach County for help getting him veterinary care.

What initially looked like a simple wound turned out to be a severe abscess that had already ruptured. The veterinary team cleaned and treated the area, and Fred was brought home to recover in a safe, quiet space. But Fred wasn't getting better.

Despite treatment, he remained lethargic and had little interest in eating. Concerned that something was wrong, we rushed him back to the veterinarian. There, the team discovered a second abscess hidden beneath his fur on the opposite side of his body. The infection had become so severe that Fred was running a dangerously high fever of 105 degrees.

This tough outdoor survivor had been suffering from multiple painful infections while trying to fend for himself.

Fred is now receiving additional medical treatment, antibiotics, wound care, and close monitoring. He will remain indoors during his recovery, where he can finally rest and heal without the daily challenges of life on the streets.

While Fred may be considered feral, he has shown a softer side throughout his ordeal. He enjoys gentle head pets and has allowed us to help him through what has undoubtedly been one of the most difficult times of his life.

Cat & Release of Palm Beach County stepped in to ensure Fred received the care he desperately needed, but his veterinary expenses have quickly grown beyond what was expected. We are asking for your help to cover the cost of his examinations, treatment for multiple abscesses, medications, hospitalization, and ongoing recovery care.

Every donation will help give Fred the chance to fully recover and return to a healthier future. Please donate today and help Fred continue his fight against these painful infections.

6/20/26 Update: Fred is doing so well!

After five nights at the vet hospital due to a 105-plus temperature, Fred is doing much better. Despite the antibiotic injection, infection really took hold of him for a time and we were worried. The doctor wasn’t sure what was going on, but finally his temp went down. He’s in a back bedroom to recuperate, and he has started to play a when I wave the wand toy. Not too much, but he plays! Although I don’t need another cat, I cannot put him back where I found him so injured. It’s a dangerous place. Any help to cover vet bills will be very appreciated.

8/2/26 Update

We have wonderful news to share—Fred is continuing to heal, and he's doing incredibly well! After everything he's endured, seeing this once-sick community cat regain his strength has been nothing short of amazing. His fur has grown back beautifully, his painful wounds have healed, and, best of all, the dangerously high fever that kept him hospitalized for five nights appears to be gone for good.

While Fred is physically feeling much better, he's made one thing very clear—he doesn't miss life on the streets. Although he isn't exactly thrilled about sharing his space with other cats, his caregiver has made the decision that he will not be returned to the dangerous area where he was found so severely injured. After spending the past couple of months recovering indoors, Fred is staying safe where he belongs.

It's been heartwarming to watch his personality emerge. Beneath his tough outdoor exterior is a very sweet, very handsome boy who has captured our hearts.

None of this would have been possible without the support of compassionate donors who believed Fred deserved a second chance. Thank you for helping give him the medical care he needed when he was fighting multiple abscesses and a life-threatening infection.

We're still working to pay off the veterinary bills from Fred's emergency hospitalization, medications, and ongoing treatment. If you're able to make a donation, no matter the amount, it will help Cat & Release of Palm Beach County continue saying "yes" to cats like Fred when they have nowhere else to turn.

8/13/26 Update

Fred’s journey has been a long one, but today we’re so happy to share that this tough little survivor is safe, healing, and staying indoors for good.

When Fred first came to Cat & Release of Palm Beach County, he was suffering from multiple painful abscesses and a dangerously high fever of more than 105 degrees. He spent five nights hospitalized while veterinarians worked to get his infection under control. It was a frightening time, and we weren’t sure what the outcome would be. Thankfully, Fred fought through it.

His wounds have healed, his fur has grown back, and he is feeling so much better. He has even rediscovered his playful side, enjoying wand toys and gentle head pets from the person who has cared for him through his recovery.

And Fred has made his wishes very clear: he does NOT want to go back outside. 😸 Although he isn't a fan of dogs or most other cats, Fred has a safe bedroom of his own and gets time to roam the house when it is quiet. He has even made peace with one cat roommate. After spending so long alone and vulnerable on the streets, he may never become the most social cat—but he has found someone he trusts, a safe place to call home, and a chance to live out the rest of his life without worrying about his next meal, dangerous surroundings, or untreated injuries.

And that is a beautiful ending to Fred’s story.

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated to Fred’s campaign. Your generosity helped make it possible for him to receive the emergency hospitalization, veterinary care, medications, and treatment he desperately needed when he was at his sickest.

Because of you, Fred didn't have to face those painful infections alone. You helped give this once-forgotten community cat a second chance—and a safe indoor life.

From Fred, his caregiver, and everyone at Cat & Release of Palm Beach County, thank you for believing in him and helping him get to this much happier chapter. Fred is safe. Fred is healing. And Fred is home. ❤️