These wonderful gals didn't start off in life doing so well. They were rescued, along with their mother Reese, by a kind woman in the Baltimore area. Jessica was found to have a grade 2-3 (out of 6) heart murmur and a very tender mouth. The vet didn't want to do any dental work on her because of the heart murmur. She was treated with steroids and antibiotics but her mouth got worse and she drooled continuously. She tried to clean her beautiful fur but the drool just helped it mat, and of course it hurt to lick herself. Raven on the other hand had been found with a badly infected tail, which was amputated, leaving a little 3 or 4 inch stub that she waves happily. Raven also had some mouth soreness but not as bad as Jessie.

Enter a CARA volunteer, who was helping the rescuer with some other cats. She asked to foster the girls and get them some additional vet work. So Jessica, Raven, and their mom Reese came to CARA.

Our CARA vet found that Jessica had benign tumors, called stomatitis. Her mouth was full of the tumors, which trapped food and caused bad tooth decay. This poor girl had been in terrible pain for over a year because of this! She needed surgery to remove the tumors and all her decayed teeth. She first visited a cardiologist because of her heart murmur, then went to a dental surgeon. We didn't know if she would make it through the surgery, but either way she would be spared this awful pain. Fortunately she came through with flying colors. The surgeon was impressed with how she did during surgery and gave her a good prognosis for the future.

It wasn't long before Jessie became a new kitty. Her mouth no longer hurt so she happily gobbled up food and groomed herself. Her naturally loving and playful nature came out, and she is now romping with Raven, playing with feather toys, and giving head bumps to her foster mom.

Raven was very happy to have her sister feeling good and eager to play. She also had a mild form of stomatitis and needed some dental surgery, but nothing as bad as Jessica's case. Their mom Reesie (adopted) also had some mild stomatitis and a mild heart murmur, now under control through medication.

It is sublime to see Jessie and Raven now, both happy, healthy, energetic and loving. They are ready to go to a new home where they be can be doted on and spoiled. They should be adopted together, since they need each other and have helped each other make it through tough times.