Injured Kinnelon Cat Needs Leg Amputated

Black cats are typically known for projecting bad luck on others. But in the case of Maui, a one-year-old male cat, bad luck seems to have struck him.

Maui, a shelter cat at the Kinnelon Volunteer Animal Shelter (KVAS), needs to have one of his leg's amputated. The KVAS is seeking donations to help fund his surgery.

“We cannot be certain what caused his injury, but he is a poster cat for keeping your domestic cats indoors,” Ann Shagin, a volunteer at KVAS, said.

When Maui was found earlier this summer, wandering outside KVAS, part of his leg was already missing.

“What may have happened was that someone found him, nursed him back to health and dropped him off to us,” Debbie Shepherd, KVAS president, said.

Shepherd said the wound did not heal well and he is now in pain. Maui’s surgery has been scheduled for this month. Shepherd said the veterinarian has  offered a discounted rate for the surgery, but total expenses could run between $800 and $1,200. 

“Our veterinarian has determined that Maui needs to have the leg amputated to repair damage done during his ordeal in the wilderness. Once Maui has this surgery, he will be able to live a healthy, pain-free and active life. We are committed to helping Maui, but this will be a big expense for our little animal shelter. We are turning to you, our caring community of animal lovers, to help us (and Maui) by making a donation to help with his surgical and recovery needs,” Shagin said.

Helping injured animals heal and find loving homes is a daily effort at the shelter.

“We work to bring the shyest or most frightened animal out of their shell and they stay with us until that perfect adopter comes along. KVAS takes great pride, and inordinate care, in matching our pets into a wonderful home environment that will last a lifetime,” Shepherd said. 

Donations for Maui can be sent to the following address: Kinnelon Volunteer Animal Shelter, 2 Kiel Avenue #252, Kinnelon, NJ, 07405. In addition, the shelter asks that donors note “For Maui” on checks.

“If KVAS is fortunate enough to receive more money than is needed for Maui's surgery and care, you can be assured that all monies raised will be used for veterinary care for our other homeless cats and dogs. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the  law,” Shagin added.

After Maui recovers from his surgery, he will be up for adoption. According to Shepherd, Maui is an “absolute joy” and a very loving and playful cat.

KVAS holds adoption hours every Sunday from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at 118 Kinnelon Road or by appointment. KVAS is also listed on Petfinder, where all of the dogs and cats they have up for adoption can be viewed.

Additionally, all cats and dogs that come to KVAS receive medical and behavioral evaluations. According to their website, all dogs and cats over 6 months are spayed or neutered and vaccinated against distemper and rabies. Cats are also screened for FIV and FELV, de-wormed and de-flea’d. Dogs are additionally screened for heartworm.