Burned, Scarred, and Still Fighting — Stanley Deserves a Chance at Comfort

Stanley’s story is one of unimaginable pain—and incredible survival. He came into care after suffering severe chemical burns that covered his face, ears, eyelids, and nostrils. Large portions of his skin were hardened with thick, black dead tissue. He was dehydrated, in excruciating pain, and barely holding on.

What happened to Stanley is unknown. But whatever he came into contact with was so caustic that when rescuers tried to bathe him, the chemical residue turned the water green—and even caused a painful rash on the person helping him. His road to survival was long and brutal.

Stanley endured multiple burn debridements under sedation, where layers of dead tissue had to be carefully removed. He required constant wound care, strong pain medication, antibiotics, fluids, and eye medications to protect what little function remained. Hidden beneath the damaged tissue were ear mites, adding even more discomfort to an already unbearable situation. His nostrils were so badly damaged that he needed nasal stents just to breathe properly. And even after surviving the worst, the damage did not end there.

Parts of Stanley’s ears were lost. His face is permanently scarred. Tight scar tissue pulls at his eyes, and he now lives with a deviated septum that affects his breathing. In the future, he may need surgery to correct the way his eyelids sit, as the scarring can cause ongoing irritation and risk to his vision.

The trauma didn’t just leave physical scars. For a long time, Stanley struggled emotionally. When overwhelmed, he would scratch at himself or slam his face into objects—reopening wounds and reliving his pain in ways he couldn’t control. Healing for Stanley has meant not only treating his body, but helping him slowly learn that he is safe.

And just when it seemed like he had already endured more than any animal should… Stanley was diagnosed with diabetes. After everything his body has been through—the burns, the chronic inflammation, the medications, the stress—he now requires lifelong management, including daily blood sugar checks, insulin injections, and a strict diet. Without this care, his condition could quickly become life-threatening.

Stanley survived the unthinkable. But survival has come at a cost. He now lives with permanent disfigurement, ongoing medical needs, and the lasting effects of deep trauma. This is not the easy, carefree life he deserved after fighting so hard to stay alive. But Stanley is still here. Still fighting. Still deserving of comfort, stability, and care.

Stanley has already proven how strong he is. Now he needs people who will stand with him for the rest of his journey—so his future can be defined not by pain, but by compassion. Please help us give Stanley the care he still so desperately needs.

5/3/26 Update

We’ve been getting a lot of questions about Stanley’s future… so it’s time to make it official. Stanley is staying with his foster permanently. From day one, she has been there through everything — the late nights, the medical care, the healing, the ups and downs. Their bond isn’t something you question… you just see it.

Stanley didn’t just find safety with her — he found his person. And while he may not be going anywhere… he’s still very much ours too.

Stanley will officially remain the permanent mascot of South Carolina Community Cat Project — the face of everything we do, the reason so many of you found us, and the little fighter who helped grow this rescue into what it is today.

He’s the CEO of Handsome, the Director of Pantry Management, and now… a permanent part of this rescue’s story. He’s home. And he’s staying

5/4/26 Update

We are in need of donations from Stanley’s wishlist! Thank you!

5/13/26 Update

Update on Stanley 🧡

Stanley is doing really well and we’re so thankful for all of the support, donations, messages, and love everyone has shown him since his diabetes diagnosis.

The good news is that he has thankfully not had to go back to the vet since being diagnosed and has been doing well at home. We’ve been monitoring him closely, keeping up with his care, and making sure he stays stable and comfortable.

While he’s doing well, his campaign is still not fully funded and we are still trying to cover the remaining balance from his diagnostics, visits, diabetic supplies, and ongoing care. Rescue never really stops at the diagnosis — the monitoring, prescription food, supplies, and follow-up care continue long after the initial emergency.

We are also in desperate need of kitten and cat food donations right now. Kitten season has absolutely exploded and the amount of food being used daily is honestly overwhelming. Wet food, dry food, kitten food — we need all of it. 😭

We are incredibly grateful for everyone who has helped Stanley and our rescue so far. Every donation, share, wishlist order, and bag or can of food truly helps more than people realize.

Stanley appreciates the support… even if he still acts personally offended every time we poke his ear. 🧡🐾

6/5/26 Update: Because of you Stanley’s story continues!

Because of your generosity, Stanley received the medical care he desperately needed after suffering severe burns to his face, ears, and eyes. What began as a heartbreaking case became a story of healing, resilience, and hope.

Your donations helped cover emergency medical treatment, surgeries, medications, follow-up care, and the many supplies needed throughout his recovery. Every dollar made a difference.

Stanley has come so far. He went from a scared, injured cat fighting to survive to a happy, playful boy who now knows comfort, safety, and love. While his journey wasn’t easy, he never stopped showing us how strong he truly is.

On behalf of Stanley and everyone at South Carolina Community Cat Project, thank you for believing in him. Thank you for sharing his story, donating, sending supplies, and cheering him on every step of the way.

This may be the final Waggle update, but it is not the end of Stanley’s story. Because of you, he has a future.