10/22/2026
🐈⬛❤️ GUESS WHO'S BACK?! POE! ❤️🐈⬛
Our magnificent Maine C**n gentleman had been returned and we have quite the medical update to share!
Almost three weeks after his adoption, Poe began experiencing difficulty standing, weakness in his hind legs, and problems going to the bathroom.
His adopter sought veterinary care. The first emergency veterinarian recommended additional diagnostic imaging. Unfortunately, a subsequent veterinarian assumed Poe was a senior cat, suggested spinal cancer, and even recommended euthanasia.
Without ever performing the recommended X-rays.
When Poe returned to us, we immediately arranged further veterinary evaluations, imaging, and testing.
And what do you know? The findings supported what we had suspected all along!
🐾 Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC): Poe had FIC when he originally entered our care. Stress can trigger painful bladder inflammation, and we already knew he sometimes holds his urine when stressed. His bladder was enlarged during this episode.
🐾 Osteoarthritis: This was also documented in his medical records before adoption. Poe has chronic arthritic changes in his lower spine and hips, associated with his history of physical abuse. His X-rays confirmed those changes.
🐾 Severe Constipation: Imaging revealed significant stool accumulation, with concern for developing megacolon. Between the urinary discomfort, arthritis, and his refusal to eliminate outside his litter box, Poe appears to have been withholding bowel movements, making an already uncomfortable situation progressively worse.
And here's something else that's important.
Poe is approximately 5–7 years old.
His bloodwork has consistently been excellent. He's maintained a healthy weight, actually gained weight, has excellent muscle tone, and remained bright, alert, eating, and drinking throughout this entire ordeal.
There was no unexplained weight loss, lethargy, or deterioration in his overall body condition.
We consulted several veterinarians, and none felt the available medical evidence supported a diagnosis of spinal cancer.
Of course, normal bloodwork and good body condition cannot completely rule out cancer. But difficulty walking doesn't automatically mean an animal is elderly or terminally ill, either.
Difficulty walking is a symptom, not a diagnosis.
And when euthanasia is being discussed, appropriate diagnostic testing and consideration of an animal's medical history are incredibly important.
❤️ NOW FOR THE REALLY GOOD NEWS!
Since returning to Paws Unite People, Poe has been urinating and having bowel movements completely normally!
HE'S ALSO STARTING TO STAND ON HIS OWN! 🎉
His mobility is improving noticeably every single day!
His veterinarians suspect that inflammation and nerve irritation may have contributed to his hind-leg weakness. Because he's eliminating normally, attempting to stand, moving around more comfortably, and showing consistent improvement, they're recommending that we give him time to recover before pursuing additional testing.
Poe has a history of trauma and stress-related medical problems. Unnecessary procedures right now could trigger another FIC flare and complicate his recovery.
For now, the plan is supportive care, gentle physical rehabilitation, and continued monitoring under veterinary guidance.
Based on the diagnostic findings and his continued improvement, the veterinarians we've consulted are optimistic and consider cancer unlikely.
And we are incredibly relieved! ❤️
We also want to emphasize that these findings came from veterinary examinations, laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging, and a review of Poe's medical history. This wasn't us attempting to diagnose him ourselves.
Sometimes knowing an animal's history, asking questions, and pursuing appropriate diagnostics makes all the difference.
❤️ AND NOW, WE COULD REALLY USE YOUR HELP!
As you can imagine, multiple veterinary consultations, diagnostic imaging, laboratory testing, and follow-up care have been incredibly expensive.
We didn't hesitate to get Poe the medical attention he needed. That's what we do.
But the reality is that the money to cover his unexpected medical expenses had to come from funds already allocated toward other operating expenses at Paws Unite People.
And unfortunately, those bills haven't gone away!
We're still responsible for feeding, housing, and providing medical care for dozens of animals, many of whom are seniors or have complicated medical needs.
Now we need to replenish the funds we redirected toward Poe's care so we can continue meeting those obligations.
If you're able to help us recover from these unexpected expenses, we would be incredibly grateful. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference! ❤️
🐾 Venmo:
🐾 PayPal: paypal.me/pawsunitepeople
🐾 Zelle: [email protected]
And if donating isn't possible, sharing Poe's story helps tremendously!
For now, our handsome boy is comfortable, eating well, using his litter box normally, and making progress every day.
And judging by this photograph, his ability to silently judge everyone remains completely unaffected. 🤣
Welcome back, Poe! You magnificent fluffy little troublemaker! ❤️🐈⬛
Sometimes the best thing we can do for an animal is refuse to give up before we have the answers. ❤️
