Battle-Scarred Cat Looks like A Tough Guy, But It’s Actually The Sweetest Cat Ever

"He is a sweet, gentle, little old teddy bear"

Damjan

• Published in Animal Stories
• July 25, 2021

Jen Boger from Northern Virginia was viewing shelter animal profiles when she noticed Mason's photo. He seemed like he's been through a lot, with his "war wounds" and a "tough guy" face.

Boger volunteers as the cat entry coordinator at the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation, and she immediately knew that they should take him in.

"He was described as having a rough exterior, but being very loving and sweet," Boger, who also runs the blog Pokey Pot Pie, says. "These tough old tomcats are my absolute favorites. While they are often battle-scarred and beaten up from fighting for survival on the streets, I find that most of them are very sweet cats."

From her experience, Boger knew that if they didn't act now, this cat might not ever get the chance at a normal life and a loving home. "Looking at Mason's photo and description, I knew he was the type of cat that would get passed over again and again by potential adopters and other rescues because he looked so scrappy, tough, and sick," Boger says.

Mason didn't take long to adapt to the new environment. He seemed quite happy to leave this tough-guy lifestyle behind him.

“Now, he either waits at the door for us or comes bounding over as soon as he hears us approach,” Boger says. “He loves to be pet and will nudge your hand or arm if you stop for even a few seconds.”

“He doesn't have a mean bone in his grizzled old body," Boger explained. "Just lots and lots of love to give.

However, it is obvious that Mason had been alone for so long with no one to care for him. "We expected him to show up with some matted fur, dirty ears, fleas and generally be just a bit disheveled," Boger says. "But, in reality, he was the saddest, sickest cat I'd ever seen."

Mason's ears were hurt, and he had deep scars on both sides of his face. In addition, his fur was shabby, and he had numerous health issues, including dental problems and ringworm infection.

Thanks to weeks of therapy and excellent care, Mason is healing and feeling better with each new day. "While Mason has had some health challenges, everything appears to be surmountable," Boger says. "He has responded incredibly well to everything that's come at him so far."

And even though life hasn't been kind to mason, he's still just a "sweet, gentle, little old teddy bear," Boger says. Whoever gives him home will get a good and loyal friend.

If you'd like to help Mason's recovery, you can make a donation to the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation. 

Damjan