Ethel’s life was anything but easy before she found her forever home. Completely blind in both eyes, significantly overweight, and overlooked by potential adopters, Ethel had been living at the Cat Welfare Association, a nonprofit rescue in Columbus, Ohio, for about a year. Despite her sweet demeanor, her health issues made it difficult for her to find a home. At 16 pounds, she needed help with basic care, such as cleaning her backside, which deterred many adopters. Donna, a Columbus local, couldn’t stop thinking about Ethel after seeing her at the shelter.
“I went to visit a friend who worked at Cat Welfare, and I saw Ethel…Given her condition, I don’t think she could have survived on her own. I don’t know if she was abandoned or if her owner passed away, but it was clear she had been through a lot,” Donna shared with Geobeats.
The staff at the shelter worried Ethel might become a permanent resident, but Donna felt drawn to help her. Despite her concerns about how Ethel would adapt to a new environment, Donna decided to adopt her.
In the first few days, Donna watched anxiously as Ethel adjusted to her new home. Unlike most cats, Ethel didn’t explore much due to her blindness. She stayed in open spaces, avoiding hiding spots or high surfaces, as she worked to familiarize herself with her surroundings.
To help Ethel navigate, Donna created a supportive environment. “We tried not to move anything from its usual place,” Donna explained. “We used rugs and towels to create markers for her. For example, a rug meant she was in the kitchen, and the carpet indicated the living room. A towel near the litter box helped her know when she was close to it.”
One of the biggest challenges was managing Ethel’s weight. Donna purchased a food scale to carefully measure her meals, ensuring Ethel received the right number of calories. Wet food became a staple in her diet, as it had fewer calories than dry food and provided extra hydration. Donna also implemented a strict feeding schedule, offering breakfast, a snack, and dinner at the same times every day.
“I didn’t want her to develop habits of overeating out of boredom,” Donna explained. “So I didn’t leave food out for grazing. The routine helped her feel secure and prevented unhealthy behaviors.”
Over time, Ethel made remarkable progress. By 2018, her weight had dropped from 16 pounds to 8 pounds. She adapted well to her surroundings, learned her way around the house, and embraced her new life.
Sadly, this seems to have been a disturbing pattern that must be addressed. To protect future animals and provide him with the support he needs, he must be banned from ever owning animals again and undergo mandatory counseling.
Now approximately 13 years old, Ethel is thriving. “She’s just adorable all the way around,” Donna said. Ethel’s story is a testament to the power of patience, care, and compassion. With Donna’s unwavering support, Ethel transformed from an overlooked shelter cat into a happy, healthy companion who continues to bring joy to everyone around her.