Special Need Animals

The Pet Project Foundation is dedicated to finding loving, forever homes for all our adoptable animals - including those with medical conditions, behavioral issues, or those just getting on in years. This page highlights just a few of these very special animals that you can find at our shelter, and will be updated monthly. Please find room in your heart and your home for these furry friends who still have so much love and companionship left to offer.

COCO – SIAMESE MIX – SENIOR - DECLAWED

            If you look under “princess” in the dictionary, you will see a picture of Coco.  These pictures just don’t do her justice.  She’s very pretty!  We list her age as eight, but she may be older.  But who cares?  If you are looking for a special needs cat, age is immaterial.  She will love you unconditionally, although on her terms. Just give her a little bit of time, and she will be sitting on your lap and purring loudly.

            Coco was rescued in May 2008 from a neighborhood where cats do not survive outdoors, much less declawed cats!  The neighbors couldn’t figure out where she came from.  She was scared and weak and sick.  Enter Pet Project Foundation, and Coco has another chance!

            Her ailments were many when she came in.  She was anemic, dehydrated, and, well, she didn’t feel well!  And when Coco doesn’t feel well, she’s cranky and doesn’t want to be touched. 

            Because she probably has irritable bowel syndrome, she needs to be on a special diet.  We have found one that works for her, but that’s not to say there may be another out there that will keep her intestines calm.  She has recurrent pancreatitis that needs to be monitored.  She’s not on any medication as of this writing, but she may occasionally need subcutaneous fluids to keep her hydrated.  Watch her for vomiting and increased fluid intake.  As we say, she gets cranky when she doesn’t feel well, so you’ll know if something is amiss.

            Coco is now in foster care where she can get closer attention.  Her foster mom reports that she is so happy she snores when she sleeps - serious. She is eating well and drinking from her new water fountain.  She has a window to the world and sits there all day looking at the birds. At night she camps out in her bed and snores herself to sleep.

She may have a little arthritis in her legs as she walks funny and she doesn’t jump up on things (including your countertops!).  She loves head rubs, but doesn’t like her back touched.

She’s not too keen on other cats, but given some space, she could probably cohabitate with another cat that leaves her alone. 

Call the shelter at (949) 492-1617 to arrange a meeting with Coco.  You’ll be glad you did!

RUPERT- TEN-YEAR-OLD ORANGE AND WHITE MEDIUM HAIR - DECLAWED - NEEDS A HOSPICE  FOSTER

            RUPERT urgently needs a "Get Out of Jail" Card!  He's a sweet boy and a lap cat who loves to be brushed while lounging with you.  He enjoys jumping up on a perch and looking out the window at the dogs and shelter activity going around him when it’s his turn in the visiting room.  He anticipates when his quality time is over, and he runs around, trying to evade capture and the inevitable return to his boring old "cell."   He is so love starved! 

            Rupert came to our shelter in August of 2008.  He was adopted and returned.  It seems that Rupert doesn’t want to share his home with another cat.  His displeasure was sometimes shown by inappropriate elimination (outside the box).  Rupert has never had that issue at the shelter, so we have to assume it’s because of the other cat in his home.

            Rupert has developed a series of health complications in the last couple years.   He came to the shelter weighing over 10 pounds.  When he was returned to us in January, his weight had dropped some, and he continued to lose weight, weighing at one point 8 pounds 12 ounces.  That would not be so bad for a cat, except that Rupert has a long frame and needs more weight.  Rupert is on a special diet due to irritable bowel syndrome, Science Diet D/D, on which he does well, and he’s gained back a few ounces.  

Rupert has now suffered another setback.  He has been diagnosed with lymphoma.  His condition has stabilized, but he needs ongoing/regular medications, including prednizone, a weekly B-12 injection, and Leukeran pills to control the lymphoma.  His prognosis under this treatment is uncertain, but the veterinarian estimates his life expectancy to be anywhere from 6 months to 3 years.

If Rupert could speak, (and he does with his eyes), he would beg to enjoy the rest of his life in a caring home with a loving companion.  He still is an intelligent, sensitive soul who can be responsive and entertaining.  We are desperately searching for a cat specialist who can offer him a quality life under our Hospice-Foster Program.  We would cover his medical and care expenses if his guardian angel would come to his rescue.

Rupert is a handsome, affectionate fellow and is very easy to handle.  He craves attention and will try to repay anyone who gives him recognition and respect.