The cats we have adopted
Mario, Fanta e Kokos, the three cats we adopted
Animals, too, often suffer from the hardships caused by the conflict. Many are abandoned and left to wander in search of food and shelter, while others lose their owners. This is how the story of Fanta, Mario, and Kokos began—three cats we welcomed into our home.
Fanta – She showed up in May, drawn by the food we left outside for two other cats. At first, she was frail, with part of her tail damaged, constantly sneezing and with mucus dripping from her nose. After a few days of getting used to our presence, we took her to the vet, who diagnosed her with feline chlamydia. After 21 days of antibiotics she recovered, and we later vaccinated her.
Kokos – Arrived shortly after, dirty and malnourished. We estimate he was about six to eight months old when he appeared at our doorstep, also attracted by food. At first very wary, he now follows us everywhere. He too had chlamydiosis, but recovered after 21 days of antibiotics.
Mario – Arrived a couple of months after Fanta, another Scottish Fold. There are quite a few of them in our neighborhood, as this breed is quite popular in Eastern Europe. At first, he was shy and would sneak food from outside. The first times we saw him, one of his eyes was swollen, likely from an infection or a scratch from other strays. Over time, he grew accustomed to us and now lives indoors.
Despite their elegant appearance—the main reason many people buy them—Scottish Folds often carry a hidden burden: the genetic mutation that causes their folded ears also leads to joint problems in nearly all of them, especially as they age. Many need medication to manage chronic pain. Breeders, particularly in Eastern Europe, often allow Scottish Folds to reproduce without following proper guidelines, which only worsens the spread of genetic defects.
Even small actions can make a big difference. Whether it’s helping a person or giving a home to an animal in need, each of us has the power to make the world a little better—one gesture at a time.
