On a cold February day, Humane Investigator Wade Hanson received word that eight Persian cats were living in horrible conditions in a Rush City home. He quickly drove to the house and discovered felines living in their own feces and urine, unable to move and suffering.

Our Critical Response Team rushed to the scene to bring the animals to safety. All eight cats arrived at our Golden Valley site, where veterinarians said the kitties had some of the most matted fur they had ever seen.

MC, whose name was later changed to Gus, had nearly a pound of fur shaved off of him. He was also afflicted with numerous mobility and dental issues. The entire group had similar problems due to their neglect, but Gus seemed to have the most challenges. He was shy, fearful and was expected to have litter and behavioral problems. He also didn't like to move around since it was painful for him due to the heavy mats weighing him down. Knowing this, an AHS animal care technician, Cristina Perez, couldn’t stop looking at his cute little face. She decided she was willing to take a chance and work on this special kitty's recovery. She adopted him as soon as he was available, renaming him Gus.

Gus's new life with Cristina started out a bit rocky. “The first few days he would just shake and cry. He was so afraid and always trembling. It was obvious he had never been in a home setting before,” Perez said. “But after a week, I started winning him over with food.” 

He started gaining more confidence and that’s when he had to learn how to be a cat. “He didn’t know how to use his claws," Perez said. "He had a scratching post to climb, but he didn’t touch it. So I showed him how to use it and now he loves to climb on everything. He’s also running and jumping, which he couldn’t do before.” As for his litter box issues, Gus did have some mistakes, but he now uses it on a regular basis.

Perez believes his personality is coming out more and more as each day passes. “He’s starting to act like a normal cat. He loves to play with my three little dogs as well and has even walked on a leash.” Perez is so grateful this 10-year-old Persian is in her life. “He’s a super amazing gift and I love him so much. I think he loves me back as well.”

Animal Humane Society's humane investigations team received more than 1,700 reports of neglect or animal abuse last year. Gus is just one of the many animals who was given a second chance because of their efforts. Learn more about the humane investigations team and their work to seek justice for animals throughout Minnesota.