Snow White the feral cat finally gets her 'Happily Ever After'

Rhonda Andersen, who is active in her local TNR community, first noticed Snow White roaming the neighborhood 4 years ago and set up a trap to capture her. “Back then,” she says, “she was a little angry spitfire, lunging and hissing at us.”

They tipped her ear so her status would be obvious to other TNR volunteers, then released her a few days later with food and shelter. She soon disappeared and Rhonda didn’t see her again until last October.

Rhonda Anderson: facebook/rescuingsnowwhite

The next time they saw Snow White, she was in really rough shape.  She was skinny, dirty, matted, and had goopy eyes. “She was very wary and smart, so it took two months to get her to take the bait,” Rhonda recalled. 

Snow White again disappeared for another few weeks before returning, her condition getting worse.

Rhonda Anderson: facebook/rescuingsnowwhite

Snow White had completely stopped grooming herself. Her coat was filthy and she had large mats of fur hanging from her neck and hip. Rhonda could see discharge in her eyes and a runny nose. 

Rhonda Anderson: facebook/rescuingsnowwhite

Rhonda made a safe space for Snow White in a cat condo in her heated garage, and vowed to make sure she would never have to fend for herself outside again. Her first priority was to help Snow White learn to trust her and to feel safe in her new surroundings.

Slowly but surely, she started to relax and allow the occasional head scratch.

Rhonda Anderson: facebook/rescuingsnowwhite

Snow White had severe distrust of humans and her anxiety was through the roof when she had to go to the vet. She had to be sedated. 

The good news was that she tested negative for both FIV and FeLV. The bad news was that the veterinarian said her teeth were the worst he had ever seen and recommended a full dental extraction to relieve the pain and swelling from stomatitis. She also received treatment for an upper respiratory infection.

Rhonda Anderson: facebook/rescuingsnowwhite

While she was sedated, Snow White got the spa treatment. She was bathed, the matted fur cut away, and even gave her a pedicure!

Rhonda Anderson: facebook/rescuingsnowwhite

Rhonda was able to schedule Snow White’s tooth extraction surgery once the upper respiratory infection was cleared up. More good news - Snow White didn't have to lose all of her teeth after all! After her molars were removed, she was left wit 3 canines and all of her little incisors.

Rhonda Anderson: facebook/rescuingsnowwhite

Snow White is finally being treated like the princess that she deserves. She's trusting Rhonda more and more everyday.

 “When I talk to her, she turns towards me. No more downturned head. When I want to give her a belly rub, she yields with shy acceptance. When I want to massage her weather-beaten paws, she curls them around my finger. Inside that matted, grungy mess was a sweet, docile princess waiting for someone to rescue her. She will live happily ever after!”

From the streets to her castle, Snow White finally found her 'Happily Ever After'.

via iheartcats.com