A senior cat surrendered in a state of severe neglect was found to have an untreated injury beneath her matted fur—revealing the extent of the suffering she had endured before her rescue.
The 10-year-old feline, named Xena, was taken in by Love 4 Paws Rescue, a non-profit based in South Carolina. She had been surrendered to a municipal shelter along with two other cats and a dog. The family reportedly gave her up after having a baby.
“Her hair was matted and she was underweight,” a spokesperson for the rescue said. But what concerned staff even more was a bone protruding from her chest. A veterinary exam later revealed it was her sternum—an old, untreated break that had never healed properly.
“The vet confirmed it was an old injury,” the rescue explained. “Thankfully, it no longer causes her pain, but surgery is too risky due to her age.” The bone can be pushed back into place but doesn’t stay aligned. While not life-threatening, the condition left rescuers stunned. “I’ve never seen a cat with a sternum injury like that,” they said.
Despite her past, Xena has surprised everyone with her gentle spirit. “She has the most affectionate personality,” said the rescue. “She follows us around and nudges us for kisses. She truly is a happy kitty.”
Xena’s story gained attention after the organization shared her photos online, promising that she will “only know love” going forward. Since her arrival, she’s begun treatment for liver issues, a urinary tract infection, and coccidia. Her dirty, matted fur has been shaved, and she’s on a plan to help her gain weight.
When she’s fully recovered, Xena won’t have to wait long for her happy ending. “Xena has an adoptive family waiting to bring her home once she’s healthy,” the rescue said.
The organization hopes her journey will raise awareness about the challenges shelters face. In a 2024 study published in Animals, researchers analyzed 2,836 pet surrenders. The top reasons included behavioral problems (28%), housing issues (18%), and a lack of resources to care for the pet (16%).
In Xena’s case, her surrender may have saved her life. Had she stayed in her previous home or ended up on a shelter’s euthanasia list, her future could have looked very different. “It was probably a better place than the place she called home,” said the rescue.
Now, she’s on a new path—one filled with care, compassion, and a family ready to welcome her home.
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