Zephyr makes a great recovery
Furry Friends focuses on saving cats in need. This is just one of the many stories about how cats find a new life once they are rescued by us.
Zephyr before and after
Furry Friends focuses on saving cats in need. This is just one of the many stories about how cats find a new life once they are rescued by us.
When Zephyr arrived at Furry Friends, he was in rough shape—his fur was patchy, his skin was irritated, and he couldn’t stop scratching. It was clear he was uncomfortable and in need of immediate help. After a thorough veterinary exam and skin scraping, the diagnosis came in: feline demodicosis, caused by Demodex gatoi mites.
What is Demodex Gatoi?
Demodex gatoi is a contagious skin mite that affects cats. Unlike Demodex cati, which typically resides deep in the hair follicles and is often linked to immune system compromise, Demodex gatoi lives more superficially on the skin and is known for being highly itchy and contagious among cats.
These mites cause intense pruritus (itchiness), hair loss, scaly or crusty skin, and even overgrooming. Cats often scratch so much that they create bald patches or wounds, which can lead to secondary infections.
Zephyr’s Road to Recovery
Zephyr’s treatment focused on eliminating the mites and restoring his skin health while also protecting the other cats in the rescue. His care plan included:
· Topical and systemic treatments: Anti-parasitic medications specifically effective against D. gatoi
· Medicated baths: Gentle but effective lime-sulfur dips to soothe the skin and kill mites
· Isolation: Since D. gatoi is contagious, Zephyr was kept separate from other cats to prevent transmission
· Supportive care: A nutritious diet, immune-boosting supplements, and lots of TLC
· Regular monitoring: Skin scrapings and vet checkups to track progress and ensure the mites were gone
Over the weeks, the constant itching subsided. His skin began to heal, his coat slowly filled back in, and his playful, cuddly nature emerged.
Why Demodex Gatoi Matters
Demodex gatoi is relatively uncommon and often misdiagnosed as allergies or fungal infections due to its intense itchiness and non-specific symptoms. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial—not only to relieve the affected cat’s discomfort but also to protect other felines in the home or shelter environment.
Zephyr’s case highlights the importance of thorough veterinary care and the need for awareness around parasitic skin conditions in cats.
Zephyr Today, July 2025
Zephyr has made a full and fluffy recovery. His coat is soft, his skin is clear, and he’s back to enjoying naps, chin scratches, and toys. Best of all, he's itch-free and almost ready to find his forever home.
At Furry Friends, we believe every cat deserves a second chance. Zephyr’s journey from suffering to healing shows what’s possible with compassionate care. Help us continue this mission—donate, foster, or adopt today.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to Zephyr’s recovery. If you would like to help us save more cats like Zephyr, you can make a donation on our website https://www.furryfriendswa.org/donate
Furry Friends: A Love-Filled Lifeline for Cats
Founded in 1999 in a volunteer’s home, Furry Friends has grown to become the largest "cat-only" rescue organization in the area. What started with a small group of passionate individuals has blossomed into a full-fledged shelter supported by 200 dedicated volunteers. Over the years, Furry Friends has made significant strides, adopting out 725 cats and kittens in 2024 alone, setting a new record for the organization.
Jenn Hutchman, Furry Friends’ Executive Director, shares, “Without our help and the support of our community, many of these cats would have faced euthanasia, been left to fend for themselves on the streets, or continued to contribute to the overwhelming overpopulation issue.” The crisis of homeless, abandoned, and abused cats in the region is at critical levels, prompting Furry Friends to focus on the most vulnerable.
As Marketing Director Diane Stevens explains, “The number of cat hoarding situations we encounter in Clark County is staggering. Many of the cats we rescue come from these heartbreaking environments.”
Despite the overwhelming need, Furry Friends does not receive city, county, or state funding. The organization relies heavily on fundraising and small grants to keep operations running smoothly.
Giving Back to the Community
· Cat Food Pantry. Sometimes the difference between keeping your cat or having to relinquish them can be not having the means for a few months’ worth of food. One of our Furry Friends missions is to help keep pets in their homes through temporary hardships by supplying food. All food has been donated to Furry Friends. We can also help supply food for feral colonies.
· Pet Resource Page. We have a pet resource page on our website itemizing organizations that can help the community with spay/neuter, pet food, and medical assistance that can be found at: http://furryfriendswa.org/pet-resources/.
· Education. We publish cat education stories for the public as a way of educating them about the best ways to care for their own cats and the feral cats in our community. Cat Tale stories are written by award winning writer and Furry Friends volunteer Nomi Berger. http://blogs.columbian.com/cat-tales/
About Furry Friends
Furry Friends is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit no-kill cat rescue serving Clark County, Washington and adjacent counties. Founded in 1999, we are an organization that rescues and then adopts out homeless, relinquished, and abused cats. We shelter and care for them as long as it takes to find them forever homes. For more information about Furry Friends, please visit the website at https://www.furryfriendswa.org/ or contact us at information@furryfriendsWA.org.