Hef (pictured above with Yue) was one of our very favorite rescues. The very definition of of a love bug, he would often crawl up on your shoulder so he could snuggle a hug or nibble on your ear. He and his sister Holly arrived at the clinic having been saved from euthanasia at a rural shelter, and from day one his energy and enthusiasm were endearing. He would continually escape from the kitten room just so he could socalize with whomever was around. In time, thanks to a stack of baby gates, we were able to keep in in the kitten room where he would play around with the other kittens while waiting for the next person he could cuddle up with.

In November, Hef and his sister Holly "graduated" from the kitten room and became free-roaming members of the clinic. But something had changed about Hef: he wasn't as playful or as spirited as he used to be. He didn't want to play and no longer sought out people to cuddle and kiss. An exam by Dr. Pruett confirmed our worst fears: our favorite love bug had FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) and didn't have long to live.

FIP is a rare, but fatal mutation of the normally non-fatal Coronavirus. It is believed that this mutation probably occured in Hef when he was between five and eight weeks old. Not wanting Hef to pass on without knowing the meaning of 'home', Dr. Pruett made him a member of her family in Hef's final weeks. His sister Holly came along to ease the transition, and it was as if Hef's spirit and personality transmuted to Holly. Her personality blossomed

This page is in memory of Hef, a darling boy who made a lasting impression on all of our hearts.

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The Rescue Cat Fund enables The Cat Clinic of North Georgia to save, shelter and treat cats like Hef. Every creature deserves a fighting chance. Your support allows us to continue these good samaritan efforts. To make a donation to the Rescue Fund, please click the "donate" button below.

Cat Clinic of North Georgia
415 Peachtree Parkway, Ste. 235,
Cumming, GA 30041
toll free (877) Doc-Meow / (770) 888-8007 / fax: (770) 888-8990
e-mail: info@docmeow.com