WV- Indy (MCR) Maine Coon & Domestic Long Hair Mix Mount Lookout , WV

Indy has been with us since February of 2023. She was at a shelter when I went to get some other cats we were bringing into rescue. Once I spotted her, I couldn't leave her behind. Can't you see why?? She's stunning, and let me tell you, her personality is even more beautiful. She is forward without being overly pushy, although she wants lots of attention! She is the first one to run over for love. Indy is curious and friendly, gentle and unassuming. She's just the perfect cat really. She just wants to be in the middle of what you are doing and follow you around to help out!

While Indy was waiting to be adopted, the vet told us she had some minor tarter on her teeth and it might be a good idea to get a dental cleaning. We strive to take care of those if needed before a cat goes to a new home. Our vet ran presurgical bloodwork, and the results were a bit concerning. The results showed some changes were taking place in the heart. She recommended we get an echocardiogram done for Indy. After comparing prices, we decided upon Virginia Tech Animal Hospital. They ran a T4 test for her thyroid, and the results were perfect. They also checked her blood pressure, and that was great too. They did the echocardiogram and found a very slight thickening of one heart wall. Due to this, she was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). See below for a click on more information on HCM. There were no medications recommended for Indy, as it is a really mild case. While she has been diagnosed with HCM, she is currently healthy. She will need follow-up testing and may need a cardiologist in the future. The vets at Virginia Tech recommended she have new echocardiograms performed once every 6 months to 1 once a year. Those will be compared with the baseline tests that we did. That will be the best way to monitor this condition and determine if any changes need to be made in her care. She was previously put under anesthesia and spayed at a different vet hospital without any problems. We just want to make sure her new owner is aware of things that need to be monitored closely now that we know.

As her foster, I never even knew there was anything wrong with Indy at all. She was playful, and there were no breathing issues or anything! The vet was able to polish Indy's teeth without any anesthesia! That shows what a gentle cat she truly is. She never gets upset at the vet's office, and everyone who has met her has fallen in love with her cute face and sweet nature. This is why my heart broke to find out she has a heart condition.

Indy was very overweight when she came to us! She has slimmed down a lot, and keeping her at a healthy weight should help her heart, too. We think short playtimes throughout the day would be helpful, but it's best to check with your veterinarian as always.

Indy really is super sweet with every person she has met. However, she is fearful of some other cats. This results in aggression on her part. For this reason, it is probably best that she is the only cat in the home. She has not been dog tested but should be okay as long as they do not chase her. This is also very important so she doesn't get overly stressed and cause issues with her heart. She is with a cat now that she runs around and plays with. This is rare because usually she will get very upset and hide. She will even try to fight if they bully her too much.

We would like to find her a home that is peaceful and quiet where she can be the center of attention. She deserves that as she has been through a lot.

We don't know her history before we found her at a local shelter, but we do know she came into that shelter with her daughter. We got both of them, and her daughter finally found a home of her own. No, they did not get along hahaha! Indy is a total love bug who enjoys cuddling with people. She follows us around like a dog, just wanting affection and attention. Anyone who has it in their heart to give this girl a chance will not be disappointed!

HCM is not a death sentence for a pet. We really want to stress the importance of yearly wellness visits and keeping up with the vet-recommended echocardiograms. This is to ensure that any changes are caught early, and steps can be taken to ensure a happy, healthy life.

Do you think you have what it takes to be this cat's mom and/or dad? We would love to hear from you! Someone who is a nurse or a vet would be even better! Thank you for your interest in Indy.

You can learn more about HCM at this link: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy#:~:text=Hypertrophic%20cardiomyopathy%20is%20the%20most,other%20parts%20of%20the%20body.%20https://www.medvet.com/feline-hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-hcm/#:~:text=HCM%20is%20typically%20a%20slowly,show%20rapid%20progression%20over%20months.

If you are within about 8 hours of Mount Lookout, WV please apply! If you meet me halfway there is no additional charge. Otherwise, there will be an $85.00 transport fee added.

Her adoption fee is $75.00. This includes: spaying, all vaccines, microchip, dewormer, and health exam. As stated above Indy has had an echocardiogram and all vetting records will be provided.

If you are interested, please visit our website to submit an Adoption Application. You can find the application at the link below.

https://www.mainecoonrescue.net/forms/form?formid=4079