Cat of the Month: June 2016

We are thrilled to kick off a new program at Rainier Veterinary Hospital: Cat of the Month. Each staff member provides a nomination for the distinguished honor, and then we vote. The highest vote wins! Any kitty patients who visit us during the prior month are eligible. June 2016 is our first month, and the winner is …

George Michael

This 8-year-old tabby cat has had a bit of a difficult life—at least in the beginning. Now owned by Liam Neese, George Michael’s previous owners abandoned him at Rainier Veterinary Hospital while Liam was our Kennel Attendant. “George Michael had been declawed and somewhat terrorized by his first owners,” Liam says, “so he was a bit wild and defensive to the point where no one could touch him.”

But Liam took great care of George Michael, who eventually mellowed enough that Liam could adopt this sweet domestic shorthair three years ago. “He still has his moments and will get an attitude,” Liam says, “but when you scratch his neck, he’ll purr until he’s drooling.”

A lover of wet food and wrestling, George Michael also goes by Jorge Miguel at home. Did his previous owners name George Michael after the teenaged character on the show Arrested Development? Liam thinks he probably was but prefers to think of him being named after the singer-songwriter and front man of Wham!.

In May, George Michael visited us for an issue with his back left leg. “He got into a pretty severe scuffle with a neighbor dog and ended up with a dislocated hip,” Liam explains. “We had him in a splint for nearly two months, but it just wasn’t healing.” And so our veterinarians determined that amputating his leg was the best option and would alleviate George Michael’s pain.

Just a few weeks later, George Michael is completely healed and “running around like he has all of his legs!” Liam says. “It’s pretty amazing to see how resilient he is.”

We’re thrilled to hear it! Now try to keep out of trouble, Jorge Miguel!