Many Michiganders will tell you that Michigan can get quite cold in winter, and the city of Muskegon is no exception as one cat found out!
After a historic winter storm, a resident of the city of Muskegon, Kelly, was out and about doing her best to battle the cold when something caught the corner of her eye.
Something furry was lying motionless in the snow. As she got closer she noticed a cat who had gotten caught in the snow on East Laketon Avenue and Wood Street in Muskegon. He was now frozen to the ground in the aftermath of the storm and was trying to pull himself free.
Kelly wasted no time in cutting the feline free from his frozen tomb, then rushing him to emergency animal services. She wanted to save his life in the hopes he might have a microchip that could help trace his owner.
They gave him the name Elliott after the storm that struck the region. They found his body encrusted in snow and ice with his core temperature being a mere 94°.
Staff at the clinic immediately set about trying to save Elliott’s life. He was given IV fluids, checked over for injuries, and had snow and ice removed from his eyes.
Thankfully their efforts were not in vain, as Elliott is now in a stable condition, though the next 24 hours are critical to his recovery.
Unluckily, no microchip was found, and efforts are still being undertaken to find the frozen felines’ real owners.
If you would like to aid Elliot’s recovery, donations can be made through the Muskegon Humane Society’s website.
Meanwhile, all we can do is part he will pull through and be reunited with his family.
Just like people, pets’ cold tolerance can vary from pet to pet based on their coat, body fat stores, activity level, and health. Be aware of your pet’s tolerance for cold weather, and adjust accordingly.
Many pets become lost in winter because snow and ice can hide recognizable scents that might normally help your pet find his/her way back home. Make sure your pet has a well-fitting collar with up-to-date identification and contact information. A microchip is a more permanent means of identification, but it is critical that you keep the registration up to date.
- Do not hesitate to share this article with your cat-loving friends and family.
