Matay

It is with great sorrow that Through Their Eyes, has to announce the passing of Matay on Wednesday, April 20, 2004 at 11:50pm.

    

Matay was an abused cat that came into our lives in late June 2003.  At first she was very frightened and didn't trust but she was not feral.  It turns out Matay had been badly abused.  When she was brought to the veterinarian it was discovered that she had been previously beaten so bad that she had lost her hearing and had broken bones that healed (not so straight) as best they could.  Matay got her name because she was so matted and her fur was really dry, course and unhealthy.  When she was groomed and shaved it was discovered that she had been more abused than we originally thought.  Matay had healed cigarette burns all over her body.  Matay’s torturers were never found, or prosecuted for harming this wonderful gal.

Matay’s rescuer is an animal lover and when she found her at her workplace in Nashua, NH, she and several co-workers kept her fed and watered and gave her shelter.  Actually Matay was brazen enough to just walk into the warehouse and take refuge but from a distance.  Our organization helped trap Matay (it took several weeks because she was very allusive).  In August 2003 she came to live with our Executive Director.  As is policy with any newly entering animal to our program, we quarantine the animal for an evaluation period and get them vetted.  In Matay’s case she was vaccinated, wormed and FIV tested with the funds from our medical care account.  It turns out she was previously spayed and approximately 18-years-old.

As Matay began to trust a human again (it amazes me that this wonderful “old gal” would even want to after what she had been through), she always returned to the safety of a comfy, cushioned cage, by a sunny window (even though the door had long been removed).  This “old gal”, as I also called her, managed to get me to take care of her on her terms, - always on her terms – She had a specific place she wanted to be fed and even managed to get me to buy her different food from the other kitties because she had sophisticated taste.  Even her water bowl had to be specific to her liking.

Matay definitely had “cattitude” and I learned the look that said ‘hold me, pet me back off or do what I demand right now” and I knew she behaved this way because she knew she was safe and loved.

Matay started failing about 6 weeks ago, she would have good days and bad and was brought to the vet frequently to keep her comfortable and be certain that she was not suffering.  Matay was just getting old and there was nothing anyone of us could do to change that fact.  As she was brought to the vet more frequently than in the past she began to express her displeasure at having to do this, so in these last two weeks, I opted not to continue stressing her out but rather stayed in phone contact with her veterinarian.  Yesterday morning she stopped eating and I knew the end was coming closer than I would have liked.  By afternoon, I called her rescuer and they came over to hold and comfort her.  Matay died in my arms, safe, warm and stress free and knowing she was very much loved.

Matay's life with us would not have been possible without benefactors and monetary donations to our medical care fund. If you would like to help us continue to help animals like Matay please donate today. You can do so online through https://www.paypal.com/xclick/business=paypal@inhumane.org.

Matay is at peace now where we believe she is in catnip heaven. No doubt having things her way there as well.