One morning at 7 am, photographer Josie stumbled upon a big orange cat named Lucian. She found him in a pitiable state on the roadside, seemingly waiting for her at the forest’s edge. Without much thought, she gave him the name Lucian Lionheart, and he became her beloved companion.
Although most people would have simply driven past, she decided to stop and observe. She eventually tracked him down to a small crevice and was able to capture him, bringing him back to her home. It was truly a remarkable feat!
“Allow Him to Return to Me” – While healthy felines are known for their impeccably groomed appearance, Lucian’s condition was a stark contrast. The poor kitty appeared as if he had been through a tough time and was left emaciated. Only after shaving off the matted fur did the extent of his condition become fully apparent.
Upon first seeing Lucian, Josie was alarmed by the state of his eyes, which were bloody, crusty, and almost entirely closed. His body was also covered in patches of missing fur and matted masses. Despite this, the sweet cat was loving and friendly towards her. As she cleaned him up, he purred loudly and eagerly ate the food she offered him.
Josie quickly fell in love with Lucian and knew that she wanted to give him a home where he would be loved and cared for. However, after taking him to an animal rescue, it became clear that he needed extensive treatment, tests, and infusions. Though Josie had to leave him with the rescuers, she couldn’t stop thinking about him.
Determined to give Lucian the life he deserved, Josie wrote a heartfelt plea for him to come home to her. She promised to provide him with a soft bed, a full belly, and all the love and care he needed to live out the rest of his life in comfort.
Lucian’s Recovery was Uncertain
Upon Lucian’s return home, he looked quite different after the vet had to shave his matted fur. His condition was not promising as he was running a fever and had become anemic. Regardless, he was still able to eat and drink, which was a good sign that he had the potential to recover.
Unfortunately, his situation took a turn for the worse, and they almost lost him. It took two and a half months before he could come back home. The vets found a massive growth that could have been cancerous, and they suggested euthanasia if it was. However, Josie wanted to give him a chance to live his life surrounded by love and care – even if it were only for a year or two.
“All I want is for him to live his remaining life in a loving home, be spoiled with love, have a full belly, and a soft bed. He deserves this after all that he has gone through,” she said.
Lucian’s Happy Ending
Lucian was the epitome of perfection when he finally returned home; a sweet angel who Josie could finally embrace as she had been eagerly waiting for. His coat had grown back, and he had transformed into a stunning fluffy feline that was just a joy to behold.
Josie is confident that her feline friend is a mix of Maine Coon and is approximately eight years old, as confirmed by the veterinarians. She happily describes him as an adorable and affectionate little creature.
The feline comfortably adapted to his new abode in the heart of the Palatinate Forest in Germany and was embraced as a valuable addition to the household. Josie expressed her disbelief, stating, “I can hardly believe that this is the same cat I stumbled upon in the middle of the woods.”
Presently, he is a stunning model of the feline species, and it is hard to believe that he endured a lot in the past.