Leo the Cat Update

Leo is our little man. He is our fur baby, and the sweetest cat around. Leo is 2 years old. He will turn 3 in July. We adopted Mr. Leo in September from a local woman who rescues cats. She cared for Leo since he was found abandoned as a kitten as was so happy to see Leo move into a good home. Since Leo moved into our home he has been the light of our home. I consider us to be a very happy family, but Leo made it that much brighter and happier. He is cleaver, funny, and clumsy. He kept Tracey company while she waited for her work authorization and green card. We are incredibly thankful for the happiness he brings to our life. We are so lucky to be his moms.

When we adopted Leo he was checked out by the vet as we adopted him at the animal clinic. The vet noticed that he was in need of a dental and recommended we schedule one. A week later the vet called asking for us to come in for blood work. He was concerned Leo had feline leukemia. He was tested and fortunately the test came back negative. The vet commented again on his inflamed gums.

Leo was settling into life as an only child and started developing mouth sores. His lips and gums would get these angry sores that would take days to clear up. Despite what looked like very uncomfortable sores, Leo remained happy, loving and obsessed with his mum. 

The vet explained that Leo has a disease where his body rejects his teeth. His gums and mouth are extremely  painful and sore due to his body's negative reaction to his teeth. Leo was prescribed medication which he believes will help with his pain. We were absolutely devastated to hear that the vet believed Leo was in a lot of pain. As Leo was new to us we were unable to notice any changes in behavior that would let us know he was in pain.  He never stopped eating. The only sign was that he became increasingly vocal on the evening. Leo began his medicine and seemed calmer and happier. We also scheduled his dental.

Leo went in for his dental appointment and had his teeth cleaned by our fantastic vet. As the vet predicted, Leo's gums are extremely raw and inflamed. Unfortunately Leo's teeth are not the problem so cleaning them, provided little relief. The vet has recommended we continue medication for pain management and monitor him for pain. He also connected us with a vet who specializes in oral surgery. The only other option at this point would be extraction of all of Leo's teeth. The medication Leo takes is a  very strong allergy medication that suppresses his body's extreme reaction to his teeth. We are happy to say that Leo has had no mouth sores since he started taking the medication. 

We are giving the medication time to work, and plan to make an appointment with the vet specialist. Leo continues to spend his days sleeping, playing with his many toys, watching the neighbors out the window, convincing us to give him cat treats, and obsessing over his mum. Leo is highly attached to Tracey. She is his person. His best friend. His soulmate. Watching them together brings me so much happiness. 

Leo has the best vet in the world. His aunt works at the animal clinic and ensures he receives the best care possible. I only hope that we can provide him all of the care he needs to be as happy as possible considering his complex medical needs.

- Shannae Johnson