Caring for stray cats is no easy task; it demands patience, commitment, and a big heart. The journey can be messy and sometimes heartbreaking, but those who dedicate themselves to this cause find it incredibly rewarding.
That’s a sentiment shared by Stephany Mullis Johnston, who didn’t just happen upon cat rescue; she feels it was her calling.
“They don’t have a voice or choice, but we do,” she explained in an interview. “We can take responsibility and help the feral cat population.”
Through her organization, Lake City Kitties, based in Florida, Stephany has helped numerous cats find better futures. Among her many rescues, one cat named Cecil made a lasting impression.
Cecil was discovered outside a local business in terrible condition. His fur was so tangled and dirty that his eyes were virtually hidden, while his ears were swollen and deformed.
Worse still, Cecil was suffering from a severe case of scabies, his skin crusted and painful.
Having fought this battle alone for so long, Cecil’s distress was clear. Yet, when Stephany found him, she was determined to change his fate. She knew he deserved better.
Many people are unaware of how serious scabies and mange can be for animals. These skin conditions are caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin, leading to severe itching, hair loss, and infections.
Stephany detailed in an Instagram post, “Scabies looks horrible and it is an extremely itchy and uncomfortable skin mite.”
While scabies appear alarming, she noted it’s quite treatable: “A little effort made such a huge difference for this sweet butterball boy.”
Just in time, Cecil received help and was promptly taken to Operation Catnip in Gainesville for the care he desperately needed.
His recovery required multiple visits and a great deal of patience, but gradually, he began to heal. His fur started growing back, and the scabs vanished, easing his pain.
As he recovered, the transformation was extraordinary. What once was a frail and sickly cat became vibrant and fluffy.
Cecil’s once-dull eyes were now bright and curious, although his ears retained a few scars, they no longer caused him pain. He wasn’t just surviving; he was thriving.
What made Cecil even more remarkable was his personality. Despite all he had endured, he remained incredibly affectionate from the very first day.
He showed no fear or hesitation, only trust and warmth, as he purred, snuggled, and relished every bit of care he received. It was as if he knew he’d been rescued and was grateful for it.
For Stephany, seeing him healthy and happy brought both joy and sadness for the suffering he endured alone. “Cecil should’ve never gotten to the point he was at,” she reflected. “No animal should.”
Now, Cecil is living the life he deserves—safe, loved, and free from his past pain.
His transformation is a testament to how much a little love and kindness can change a life, as Stephany shared in another post: “All it took was a little effort to make a huge impact.”
Cecil’s story is yet another reason Stephany continues her work, advocating for cats like him, because every rescue matters and every cat deserves a second chance.
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