When Big Daddy was found living among a feral cat colony behind a Home Depot in Georgia, he was starved and limping on a severely wounded leg. The colony’s caretakers thought he would be just another routine trap and release until they brought Big Daddy into the vet. Unlike most feral cats, Big Daddy was not just comfortable around people, he craved their attention and company. No one can ever know for sure, but they surmised the big kitty had been lost or abandoned.
But it wasn’t all clear for Big Daddy just yet. Tests revealed that Big Daddy was FIV+, making him particularly vulnerable to illness. In April, his condition became apparent when the cat developed a severe upper respiratory infection. Combined with his FIV, Big Daddy went from sniffles to a collapsed lung and blindness in a matter of days. He was rushed to the emergency vet.
That’s where people learned about Big Daddy — he was on the local news — and then rallied to his support. Who wouldn’t love that big, sweet face? He received the very best treatment, and with the support of his fans, ended up coming back from the brink of death. He even regained his eyesight!
Unfortunately, despite his initial health triumph, Big Daddy’s most recent veterinary care revealed a terrible truth: Big Daddy has large T-cell nasal lymphoma, and the cancer may have already spread to other parts of his body. Big Daddy received the best care possible while still living a quality life. That life, however, ended up being shorter than expected. Sadly, Big Daddy passed away on 30th October 2014. While it’s sad that Big Daddy’s days are numbered, it’s important to remember that he spent them among people who loved him and not suffering alone behind a Home Depot.
You can follow Big Daddy on his Facebook page and learn more about his journey.
About Liz Acosta: Catster’s former Cuteness Correspondent, Liz still manages the site’s daily “Awws,” only now she also wrangles Catster’s social media. That’s why she wants you to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and — her personal favorite — Instagram. See ya there!
