Falling for Foliage

In September 2024, at the request of the Humane Society of Lackawanna County and with support from local law enforcement, the ASPCA assisted with the removal of over 100 cats from a self-described animal rescue organization in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. Many of the cats living there appeared to be suffering from untreated medical conditions. Among those was Foliage, a one-year-old shorthair.

Cats on scene during the removal in Lackawanna County.

After being transferred to the ASPCA Cruelty Recovery Center (CRC) in Columbus, Ohio, Foliage was seen by our veterinarians. Through an examination, she was diagnosed with bilateral medial luxating patellas and limb malformation on both back legs. This meant her kneecaps were out of place and the bones formed abnormally on both of her back legs, causing her to have an abnormal gait.

Despite her abnormalities, Foliage was super loving and rolled around for attention in her kennel.

To help manage any pain or discomfort, Foliage was given pain medication. In addition, it was decided that Foliage would be transferred to the ASPCA Adoption Center in New York City with a plan to perform surgery on her knees and eventually find her a loving home.

When she arrived, she was seen by our veterinarians in New York City who ultimately decided that surgical intervention was not needed and her condition could be treated through medication management. Foliage was put on long-term medications to help with arthritis and any pain she may feel.

With her medical care all in order, it was finally time to find Foliage the loving, kind and comfortable home she deserved.

“Leafing” the Adoption Center

Often alone during the day, Shiely B. wanted to adopt a cat to provide her with emotional support and companionship while her husband was at work. Having wanted to adopt for quite a while, it wasn’t until the couple moved out of their New York City apartment and into an apartment in New Jersey that they finally received landlord permission.

“That’s when I started searching the ASPCA website and found Foliage!” Shiely said whom prepared to adopt by researching on cats and cat psychology.

Shiely scheduled a meet-and-greet at the Adoption Center, and as soon as the door opened, Foliage ran to her husband, rolled over his feet and showed her belly for some rubs.

“She literally chose us!” Shiely told us. “She instantly became our little fur baby!”

Shiely and her husband were able to bring Foliage home that very same day.

Branching Out

Once Foliage arrived at her new digs in New Jersey, she instantly settled in.

“She was zooming around, eating, drinking, using her litter box and playing almost immediately,” Shiely recalled. “She even slept in bed with us.”

Though immediately social, Foliage was a bit quieter and more observant when she first got home. Now, she is incredibly talkative, even responding when Shiely talks to her!

“It really feels like she understands me!” Shiely said. “When she gets embarrassed — like if she gets stuck somewhere — she’ll either start talking, run away or hide her face. It’s so silly and adorable! She’s also my alarm clock. Every morning at 4 a.m., she wakes me up very gently. She’ll sniff my face and tickle me with her whiskers while chirping softly, as if saying, ‘It’s morning! Let’s hunt — but feed me first!’”

Once a month, Foliage receives a monthly pain-relief injection from her veterinarian.

“She doesn’t like going to the vet — and who can blame her? It’s hard seeing her scared and shaking when she knows where she’s headed,” Shiely expressed.

But even with one hard day a month, Shiely wouldn’t change a thing about her life with Foliage.

“She gives me a reason to wake up and live life because she depends on me. It’s a privilege to be her safe space,” she said. “She brings us so much joy and is a true stress reliever. I’m no longer lonely during the day because I have her by my side.”