A Rescue Cat Story: How Marly Found Her Forever Home

A Rainy Day and a Rescue Mission

Time for another rescue cat story. If you’ve read any of my tales about rescue cats, you already know that helping these furry friends is a bittersweet journey. Some cats come into my life personally, while others I meet through the amazing SOS Cat Rescue group.

Sometimes, people ask me, “Why help cats when there are so many humans in need?” I get it – people tend to prioritize their own kind. But for me, compassion isn’t limited to humans. This planet belongs to all living beings, and showing kindness to cats, snakes, chickens, people, or even, I don’t know, tardigrades, makes the world better for everyone.

One foggy, drizzly day, my dear friend – a dedicated cat rescuer – received a tip about a cat in an abandoned house not far from her. She didn’t waste a second, gearing up with her trusty cat trap, special gloves, blankets, transport box, cat food, and water. When she arrived, the neighbors weren’t exactly fans of the stray cats, which made the situation more nerve-wracking.

In the overgrown yard of the crumbling house, she spotted her: a white-tabby female cat. She looked tiny, fragile, and far too skinny for an adult. Despite her preparations, my friend acted quickly, skipping the trap and gloves, and scooped the cat up with a mix of adrenaline and expert reflexes. Within seconds, the cat was safe in her car and on the way to her quarantine room. She was named Marly.

Facing Feline Parvovirus: What You Need to Know

After a quick examination, my friend suspected feline parvovirus. If you’ve never heard of it, parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that mostly affects kittens but can hit adult cats, too. Symptoms include severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and lethargy. It’s a nasty illness, but with quick action and proper care, many cats can recover.

The first step in treating a suspected case of parvovirus is isolation. This virus spreads like wildfire, so Marly was immediately quarantined to keep her and other cats safe. My friend didn’t take any chances — she bundled Marly into her car and made a quick trip to the vet. After a thorough examination, the vet confirmed the diagnosis with a fecal test and prescribed a treatment plan that included antibiotics to prevent secondary infections. The vet also recommended fluids to combat dehydration and special recovery food to help Marly regain her strength. Back at the quarantine room, my friend ensured Marly had a cozy space with warm blankets, round-the-clock care, and lots of love to support her recovery.

Recovery liquids, vitamins, and highly nutritious food were part of her daily regimen. While the days were long and required meticulous cleaning (and lots of disinfectant for everyone who entered her room), the hard work paid off.

Understanding Feline Parvovirus

Feline parvovirus is a highly contagious and deadly disease, particularly for kittens. The statistics are sobering: kittens under two months old have a 95% mortality rate even with treatment. Older kittens have a slightly better chance, with a 60–70% mortality rate if treated, but this jumps to nearly 100% if left untreated. Adult cats fare better, with a 10–20% mortality rate if treated, but even they face an 85% mortality rate without intervention. This virus is no joke – it requires swift action and proper care to save a cat’s life.

So, how do cats get parvo? The virus is shed in the feces, urine, and nasal secretions of infected cats, making it incredibly easy to spread. It can contaminate everything from bedding and dishes to cages and even the hands and clothing of people handling infected cats. Fleas from an infected cat can also act as carriers, spreading the virus to other cats.

The symptoms of parvovirus are varied but severe. They often include bloody diarrhea, weakness, watery nasal discharge, fever (which may later drop to a dangerously low body temperature), lethargy, depression, inability to eat, weight loss, and vomiting or frothing at the mouth. If you notice any of these signs in a cat, immediate veterinary care is crucial.

Marly’s Recovery and Second Chance

Against all odds, Marly fought off the parvovirus. She slowly regained her strength, her appetite returned, and her fur started to shine. After two weeks of quarantine and care, Marly was given a clean bill of health.

But here’s the thing: Marly wasn’t your typical “Instagram-ready” cat. She was an adult, with no flashy looks or rare coat patterns. She waited for her forever home for two long years at her foster family’s house. Over time, they realized Marly already was home. The foster family officially adopted her, giving her the loving, permanent home she deserved.

I had the privilege of photographing Marly in her backyard during one of her adventures. Watching her explore, you’d never guess this lively cat had once been on the brink of death. It’s proof that even severe cases like parvovirus can be defeated with care and determination.

How You Can Help Rescue Cats Like Marly

This holiday season, why not give the gift of giving? SOS Cat Rescue, the group behind countless stories like Marly’s, is in desperate need of support. They’ve been saving cats and kittens in Croatia for over 10 years and have even helped birds, snakes, squirrels, and other animals in need.

Donations go toward spay/neuter programs, vaccinations, food, and urgent veterinary care. SOS Cat Rescue is 100% nonprofit, validated by Stripe, so you can be sure every cent goes to the animals.

You can make a difference by donating through the WhyDonate platform. It’s an easy and secure way to support causes you care about. Here’s the direct link to SOS Cat Rescue’s fundraiser:
Emergency Appeal: Help Stray Cats Survive This Winter

Why It Matters

Every rescue cat has a story, and every story matters. Whether it’s Marly fighting off parvovirus or a stray kitten finding warmth for the first time, these small victories add up to a kinder, more compassionate world.

So, take a moment to kiss your cat on their cute little forehead, share Marly’s story with a friend, or donate to a rescue organization. Together, we can create more happy endings for cats like Marly.

Have a wonderful weekend, and give your furry friend an extra treat – they deserve it!