Pets4Vetsoftheozarks

10/15/2026

❤️ An Update on Our Sweet Potato ❤️

First off, thank you to everyone who has been praying for Potato today. It’s been a very long, emotional day, and I honestly spent a good portion of it terrified that we were going to lose him.

We got him into Fair Grove Veterinary Service this morning, and thankfully, we have some answers!

Potato is anemic, and his bloodwork showed what the vet suspects is a Mycoplasma infection. Basically, it’s a bacterial infection that affects his red blood cells and can cause anemia. His spleen is also enlarged, and he’s definitely not feeling like himself.

The good news is that his anemia isn’t severe enough to require a blood transfusion right now, and we’re going to give treatment everything we’ve got! ❤️

He’s home with antibiotics, steroids, an appetite stimulant, and fluids to help support him while his little body fights this off. We’ll be taking him back Monday for another round of bloodwork to see how he’s responding.

I’m cautiously hopeful, but I’m also realistic. He’s still a pretty sick boy, and we’re not out of the woods yet.

Potato has come such a long way from that terrified feral cat we first met years ago. He’s our little ambassador for community cats, our official driveway greeter, and a pretty important part of our family. I’m just not ready for his story to end.

So we’re going to fight for him, give him all the love he can stand, and hope that stubborn little Potato spirit pulls him through. 🥔❤️

Please keep those prayers coming. We’re not giving up on our sweet boy!

And a huge thank you to the wonderful folks at Fair Grove Veterinary Service for getting him in and taking such good care of him today. ❤️

❤️ Just a little note: Please don’t feel the need to donate toward Potato’s medical care. While he’s been a huge part of the rescue for years, Potato is actually one of our personal cats, and we’ll be covering his veterinary expenses ourselves. I just wanted to share his story because so many of you have gotten to know and love him over the years. Your prayers, love, and encouragement are more than enough, and they mean the world to us! ❤️

10/15/2026

❤️🐾 We Could Use Some Prayers for Our Sweet Potato. 🥔❤️

If you’ve ever visited Pets4Vets of the Ozarks, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve met Potato, our beloved Ambassador for Community Cats. ❤️

But what many people don’t know is just how far this sweet boy has come.

When we first moved to Springfield, Potato was actually the very first feral cat we trapped for TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return). He was terrified of people, and the thought of him someday becoming the affectionate, people-loving cat he is today seemed almost impossible.

It took us about six months just to earn his trust and really get to know him. Then another three or four months before he finally decided that coming inside the house might not be such a terrible idea.

And look at him now. ❤️

For the last three and a half years, Potato has been our Ambassador for Community Cats here at the rescue. He loves sitting out on the porch, watching the world go by. The second someone pulls into our driveway, here comes Potato, running to greet them like they’ve been his best friend forever.

To see a cat go from being absolutely terrified of people to genuinely LOVING every person who comes to visit is something pretty incredible. He’s living proof of what patience, love, and a whole lot of time can accomplish.

Unfortunately, our sweet boy isn’t feeling quite right. 💔

Over the last couple of days, we’ve noticed that Potato just hasn’t been himself. He’s been moving a little slower, seems more tired than usual, and just doesn’t have that normal Potato enthusiasm.

He’s still eating, still enjoying his love and attention, and thankfully doesn’t seem to be doing any worse this morning. But I’m still worried.

Anyone who works with cats knows just how incredibly good they are at hiding illness. And something tells me Potato, with his feral background, is probably especially good at it.

I originally had a veterinary appointment scheduled for 1:30 this afternoon, but I’ve decided I’m going to try to take him in first thing this morning as a drop-off appointment instead. I just don’t want to wait. Something isn’t right with my boy, and I’d rather be overly cautious than wish I’d acted sooner.

Potato isn’t one of our adoptable rescue cats. He’s part of our family. But he’s also a huge part of the story of how this rescue began. Long before we were helping all the cats we help today, there was Potato, a scared feral boy who slowly learned that humans weren’t so bad after all.

And somewhere along the way, he went from being the cat we were trying to help to the cat who welcomes everyone else into our little world. ❤️

So today, we’re asking our wonderful rescue family to keep Potato in your prayers. 🙏🐾

We’re hoping whatever is going on is something we can treat and that our sweet Ambassador for Community Cats will be back to his usual self very soon.

We love you, Potato. 🥔❤️

10/14/2026

Just had to share because it brings a smile to my morning! Have a blessed day, everybody!

10/14/2026

🌙 A Little Midge Cuteness to End the Day! ❤️🐾

Some days, you just have to stop what you’re doing, sit on the floor, and watch a tiny kitten enjoy life without a single care in the world. 🥹

Today has been one of THOSE days. Actually, let’s be real, it’s been one of THOSE weeks. Or months. I’ve lost track. 🤣

My to-do list is multiplying faster than an unspayed cat colony, and every time I sit down to tackle something I’ve been putting off, seventeen other things suddenly demand my attention.

Are they emergencies? Nope. Can they wait? Probably. Will my brain allow me to ignore them until tomorrow? ABSOLUTELY NOT. Apparently, every unfinished task has to personally haunt me until it’s completed. 😂

But then there’s little Midge. ❤️

Not a single responsibility. Not a care in the world. Just playing, being ridiculously adorable, and reminding me that sometimes the best thing I can do is put everything else aside and enjoy these little moments.

Because at the end of the day, THIS is why I do what I do. Even when I’m exhausted, overwhelmed, and approximately one minor inconvenience away from running off to live in the woods with the raccoons. 🦝🤣

So tonight, I’m choosing to focus on this sweet little face instead of the 9,482 things still waiting for me.

Enjoy a little Midge therapy! She’s certainly cheaper than an actual therapist, although her food and litter bills are questionable. 😂❤️

Good night, everyone! 🌙🐾

P.S. Before anyone worries, I’m joking! Mostly. 🤣 I’m overwhelmed, not imploding. I promise I’m fine. Sometimes you’ve just gotta laugh at the chaos, love on a kitten, and try again tomorrow. ❤️

🙏😻God Bless!😻🙏

10/13/2026

❤️ A Very Special Home Wanted for Gremlin & Gizmo! 🐾

Sometimes, the hardest cats to find homes for aren’t the ones with the biggest medical problems or the saddest stories. Sometimes, they’re simply the ones who don’t fit the mold of what most people expect an adoptable cat to be.

And that’s where Gremlin and Gizmo come in. ❤️

These two beautiful cats have been with us since January, and watching their progress has been such a rewarding experience.

They’re not feral, but they’re not your typical snuggle-up-in-your-lap cats either. They’re somewhere in that wonderful middle ground of learning to trust people while maintaining their independence.

Both will allow me to pet them, but it has to be on their terms. And honestly, that’s perfectly fine!

Now, bring out a fishing pole toy, and it’s a completely different story! 😂 These two LOVE to play. They’re curious, entertaining, and getting braver all the time. The progress they’ve made since arriving here has been incredible.

There is one little catch, though.

Both Gremlin and Gizmo have a history of chronic loose stools. We’ve worked on managing their digestive issues, and while we don’t know whether they’ll ever completely resolve, both cats are otherwise doing well.

Thankfully, we’ve found that using crystal litter makes their bathroom situation very manageable. Gizmo’s stools are fairly solid most of the time, while Gremlin’s tend to be a little softer. Occasionally, there’s a small mess outside the litter box, but it’s nothing like what you might imagine when you hear the words “chronic diarrhea.”

We want to be completely transparent about that because whoever adopts them needs to understand their needs.

So what kind of home are we looking for?

Honestly, we’re still figuring that out!

Ideally, we’d love a quiet indoor home with someone who understands that not every cat wants to be picked up, carried around, or cuddled. Someone who finds joy in watching cats play, celebrating those little moments of trust, and allowing a relationship to develop naturally.

Someone who doesn’t measure a cat’s love by how much affection they can get out of them.

We’re not expecting someone to magically turn these two into lap cats. We’re looking for someone who can appreciate them exactly as they are.

They’ve spent nearly a year with us, and as much as I love watching them grow more confident, I would absolutely love to see them have a home of their own.

I know their person is out there somewhere. Maybe it’s someone who has adopted shy cats before. Maybe it’s someone who has a quiet home and a whole lot of patience. Or maybe it’s someone who simply enjoys the company of cats without needing them to be constantly affectionate.

Gremlin and Gizmo don’t need a perfect home. They need the right home. ❤️

If you think you might be that person, we’d love to talk with you!

And if you’re not, please consider sharing their story. Sometimes finding that one special adopter just means getting their faces in front of the right person.

🐾 Adoption Application: https://tinyurl.com/P4vadoption

Pets4Vets of the Ozarks ❤️

10/12/2026

It’s been a rough few weeks. ❤️

So much of rescue work is heavy, heartbreaking, stressful, and downright exhausting. And honestly, the world in general feels pretty draining lately. There’s so much negativity, anger, sadness, and just plain ugliness everywhere you turn. Some days, it’s hard not to get lost in all of it.

But then I stop and watch these guys just being cats. Playing, being silly, enjoying the little things, and not having a care in the world.

And I remind myself that this is what it’s all about. Giving them a chance to just be cats. Safe, happy, loved, and completely unaware of all the chaos going on around them.

I can’t fix everything that’s wrong in the world. Heck, some days I can barely keep up with what’s right in front of me. But I can give these guys a little piece of happiness and security.

And sometimes, watching them enjoy it is exactly what I need to remind myself why I keep going. ❤️🐾

10/12/2026

🚨 I REGRET TO INFORM EVERYONE THAT GEORGIE IS NOT OPERATING WITH A FULL SET OF FACTORY-INSTALLED SOFTWARE. 🚨🤣

Y’all. I don’t even know anymore.

I’ve seen some weird things in rescue. I’ve dealt with some questionable feline behavior. I’ve met cats who lick walls, fight imaginary demons, and stare into corners like they’re receiving classified information from the government.

BUT THIS.

THIS RIGHT HERE.

Apparently, Georgie has discovered the rollers on my Bissell wet/dry vacuum, and I am genuinely concerned about what kind of relationship is developing here. 💀

SIR. THAT IS A BISSELL.

NOT A MASSAGE THERAPIST.

NOT A PERSONAL GROOMER.

AND CERTAINLY NOT WHATEVER YOU THINK IT IS. 😭🤣

Just look at him.

Rolling around. Rubbing all over it. Living his absolute best life.

Not a bill to pay. Not a single responsibility. Not even the slightest concern that his foster mother is standing there questioning every decision that led her to this exact moment.

I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING INSIDE THAT LITTLE HEAD, BUT I SUSPECT IT’S JUST ELEVATOR MUSIC AND A SCREENSAVER.

🤣🤣🤣

And here’s the thing about Georgie.

HE IS ONE OF THE SWEETEST, MOST AFFECTIONATE LITTLE WEIRDOS I HAVE EVER HAD THE PLEASURE OF KNOWING. ❤️

This boy absolutely LOVES people. He wants affection, attention, cuddles, and apparently unrestricted access to the cleaning supplies.

He has so much love to give, even if his methods of expressing joy occasionally make me question whether he was assembled correctly.

Georgie has been adopted before, but unfortunately, he and the resident cat didn’t see eye to eye. We believe he’d do wonderfully in a home where he can be the only cat or with a young, confident cat or kitten who can match his playful personality and appreciate his particular brand of weirdness.

He’s also a little mouthy sometimes, which honestly tracks. You can’t expect a cat who passionately rubs himself all over vacuum rollers to have completely normal social skills. 🤣

But underneath all that glorious weirdness is an incredibly loving boy who deserves someone who will adore every single ridiculous thing about him.

Because the truth is, Georgie isn’t broken. He’s just a limited-edition model with some VERY unusual bonus features.

And whoever adopts him is going to have an endless supply of love, laughter, and stories that begin with, “You’re not going to believe what this silly cat did today.”

❤️ Georgie is available for adoption through Pets4Vets of the Ozarks!

🇺🇸 Veterans adopt FREE with proof of service.

📋 Adoption Application:
https://tinyurl.com/P4vadoption

🐾 Please share and help this wonderfully weird little man find his forever family.

And if anyone from Bissell is watching, I believe Georgie would like to discuss a sponsorship. 💀🤣

10/11/2026

😢😢

MARMALADE 🌈🐾

7/1/2013 - 10/10/2026

At 7:12pm Cole came and guided Marm over the rainbow bridge with him. Thankfully, he was at home being cuddled with us both as he transitioned.

We are in shock still and will update more later…

Hug your furkids extra from us today 🖤🧡

10/11/2026

🐾 MEET ROCCO, OUR VERY OWN LITTLE SHAR-PEI CAT! 🐾

One of the things I love about rescue is that no matter how many cats you work with, there’s always something new to learn.

And Rocco has certainly given me something to research!

When Rocco first came into our care, I noticed he had an unusual amount of loose skin. And I don’t mean just a little extra fluff around his belly. This boy has loose, droopy skin EVERYWHERE! His cheeks practically hang off his face, one side more than the other, and he’s got enough extra skin to make a Shar-Pei jealous. 😂

Rocco also has another unusual little feature. Instead of the normal single toenail on each front dewclaw, he has TWO! Not extra toes, just two nails on each dewclaw. And as if that weren’t enough to make him interesting, he previously needed surgery to correct entropion, a condition where the eyelid rolls inward.

But what really caught my attention wasn’t just the amount of extra skin. It was how thin and fragile his skin actually is.

His skin tears much more easily than normal, sometimes even when a scab comes loose. He also has several scars where the hair never grew back.

So, naturally, I started digging into the veterinary research.

And that led me to something called feline cutaneous asthenia, a rare connective tissue disorder considered a form of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) in cats.

🧬 WHAT IS FELINE CUTANEOUS ASTHENIA?

Feline cutaneous asthenia is a rare, usually inherited disorder affecting collagen, the protein responsible for giving skin and other connective tissues their strength and structure.

Cats with this condition may have:

🐱 Excessively loose, stretchy, or drooping skin

🐱 Unusually thin, fragile skin that tears easily

🐱 Abnormal scarring or delayed wound healing

🐱 Loose or unusually flexible joints in some cases

🐱 Occasionally, abnormalities involving the eyes or other connective tissues

And here’s where Rocco gets interesting.

He checks quite a few of those boxes!

Now, we have NOT officially diagnosed Rocco with feline cutaneous asthenia. His symptoms are certainly consistent with the condition, but there are other possible causes of fragile skin that need to be considered.

Genetic testing can sometimes identify specific mutations, but it isn’t always necessary for a veterinarian to make a clinical diagnosis.

For now, our focus is on keeping Rocco comfortable, protecting his delicate skin, and continuing to monitor him.

Thankfully, his injuries have been relatively minor, and he healed well following his entropion surgery. Other than some stubborn ear mites we’re treating, he’s doing quite well!

There is no cure for feline cutaneous asthenia, but affected cats can sometimes live long, happy lives with appropriate care and precautions.

❤️ WHY AM I SHARING THIS?

Because I had heard of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome before, but I’d never personally encountered a cat I suspected might have it.

And I figure if I’m learning something new, maybe somebody else can learn something too!

Rescue isn’t just about saving cats. It’s also about understanding them, recognizing when something isn’t quite normal, and continuing to educate ourselves so we can give them the best care possible.

And sometimes that education comes in the form of a floppy-faced, double-dewclaw-nailed, slightly melted-looking cat named Rocco. 😂❤️

Have any of you ever encountered a cat with feline cutaneous asthenia or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome? I’d genuinely love to hear about your experiences!

🐾 AND DID WE MENTION ROCCO IS AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION?! ❤️

Now, let me tell you something about this boy. Rocco is genuinely one of the friendliest cats I’ve ever met, and that’s saying something!

Every single time I walk through the door, there he is, ready to greet me. And it’s not just me. It doesn’t matter WHO walks through that door. Rocco is going to be there to welcome them! 😂

He absolutely LOVES people, and I don’t think he’s ever met a stranger in his life.

Because of his unusually fragile skin and suspected feline cutaneous asthenia, we do need to be a little more careful about finding the right home for him.

If there are other cats in the home, they need to be friendly, gentle, and able to get along with him. We don’t want Rocco getting into disagreements or rough play that could result in injuries, especially since even minor wounds can take longer to heal.

But other than taking a few extra precautions to protect his skin, Rocco is a happy, affectionate, ridiculously friendly boy who just wants to be everybody’s best friend.

And honestly, who wouldn’t want a slightly melted Shar-Pei cat greeting them at the door every day? 😂❤️

🐾 Interested in adopting Rocco?

Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/P4vadoption

Pets4Vets of the Ozarks