Sugar Bear is a darling kitty who’s going through a tough time. He was abandoned in Berwick, and was found hanging around a closed ice cream stand. The couple who took him in couldn’t keep him, and surrendered him to Safe Haven. He was withdrawn and shy, which is normal for surrendered cats.
But there was another reason for his depression. Sugar Bear is declawed. And declawed cats have a very difficult time adjusting to any change in their environment. Remember, they’re defenseless! How would you feel being thrust into a totally new environment, surrounded by animals who still have their claws?
Sugar Bear responds by hanging his head and laying low.
He mostly huddles in his kitty condo. The door is open and he’s free to come and go, but he rarely leaves its security to explore the room and meet the other cats, who roam free. Now Sugar Bear is so stressed, he’s started using his bed as his litter pan. He’s been to our vet, is on medication, and we’re doing our best to help him relax and adjust.
Seeing him struggle is a painful reminder: please do not declaw! It is cruel, painful and permanently crippling. “This procedure should not be practiced,” according to Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in Great Britain.
Sadly, many Americans feel their possessions are more important than the plight of pets unable to speak for or defend themselves.
Safe Haven understands Sugar Bear is feeling insecure. Our volunteers are helping to boost his confidence. We can’t give him back his claws, of course.
The best way we can help him by find him a foster home (or permanent home) where he can be the only pet, continue using stress-relief methods to help him relax, and continue his medical care until he has regained good health.
If you can provide a temporary foster home for Sugar Bear, or would like to adopt him, please call us at 646-1611.
If not, perhaps you can become his sponsor and donate $10 per month toward his food, supplies and medical care. Click the Sponsor button in the right column, and $10 (or whatever amount you choose) will automatically be deducted from your credit/debit card or checking account each month.
Visit Sugar Bear anytime Mon-Thurs 10am-4pm, or Maverick Mondays and Thursdays from 5-7pm. He really needs a buddy like you to help him get over his depression.
For more info, call Safe Haven at 646-1611. Thank you!
The kitties thank you!