Tom's Painful Infected Claw Requires Emergency Surgery

Tom has spent far too much of his life simply trying to survive. As a senior cat living in an outdoor colony, Tom depended on the kindness of a dedicated caretaker who made sure he had food and looked after him. When that caretaker passed away, Tom's future became uncertain. Thankfully, Adopt a Cat Foundation stepped in and brought him to safety.

Since his rescue, we've learned that years of life outdoors took a toll on Tom's health. One of his ongoing struggles has been with his claws, which have become unusually thick and overgrown. Despite regular veterinary care, his claws have continued to cause discomfort and require close monitoring.

Recently, Tom developed a painful infection in one of his dew claws. The claw had become severely damaged and infected, leaving him uncomfortable and at risk for worsening complications. After evaluating Tom, his veterinarian determined that the best course of action is surgical removal of the affected claw. Today, Tom is at the veterinary hospital undergoing this procedure.

As a senior cat, Tom deserves to spend his golden years free from pain. We are committed to giving him the medical care he needs, but the costs are adding up. Since coming into our care, Tom has already required multiple veterinary visits, examinations, treatments, and ongoing monitoring. Now this unexpected surgery has created another significant expense for our small rescue.

Adopt a Cat Foundation cares for many cats with nowhere else to turn, and every medical case stretches our resources further. Still, when a cat like Tom needs help, saying no is never an option.

Tom is worth every effort, every appointment, and every dollar spent to keep him healthy and comfortable.

Your donation will help cover the cost of Tom's surgery, veterinary care, medications, and follow-up treatment so he can recover comfortably and continue enjoying the safe, loving life he waited so long to find.

Please consider making a gift today to help Tom heal. Every donation, no matter the amount, makes a difference for a senior cat who finally has people fighting for him.

8/8/26 Update

Sweet senior Tom has had another unexpected health challenge, but we finally have some answers—and thankfully, he is already feeling better!

Tom recently returned to the veterinarian to have an abscess on his leg treated. While he was there, his veterinary team also investigated some other symptoms he had been experiencing. Bloodwork revealed that Tom is diabetic.

His diabetes may help explain some of the changes we’ve been seeing in his coat and nails, including his dry, flaky skin and unhealthy-looking claws. With the right treatment and monitoring, however, Tom is already showing encouraging improvement.

Tom has started insulin therapy, and his caregivers have noticed that he has perked up and is acting more like himself. Even better, his skin is no longer flaky!

After spending so many years surviving outdoors, Tom deserves the chance to finally feel comfortable and healthy. His care will now include ongoing insulin, veterinary monitoring, and treatment for his other medical needs.

💜 Please consider donating to help cover Tom’s ongoing veterinary care and diabetes treatment. Every gift helps Adopt a Cat Foundation continue giving this sweet senior the care he needs to enjoy his safe, loving life.

Tom has come so far—and we're thrilled to see him feeling better! 🐾