Campus Cat Survives Health Scare

Allison Bajada Staff Writer

No matter what name students know her by (Austin, Brick, Potluck, etc.), they have certainly seen the friendly, gray and white cat that regularly haunts the small patch of grass in front of Austin Hall. Well-known for approaching anyone and everyone for snacks and scratches, this literal Villanova Wildcat is gorgeous, friendly and beloved by the community. Some visited her every night with food and treats swiped from the dining hall, or purchased specifically for her, while others stopped by for a quick hello as they traversed campus after sunset. If students were lucky enough, she would perch atop their laps and settle in for a brief respite from the cold.

“I’m amazed at how friendly and affectionate Austin is for a stray cat,” senior Ryan Dery said. “She’ll come right up to you for pets and she’ll even sit on your lap. It’s hard not to like her immediately.”

But, if students have gone to look for her recently, they’ll realize she’s nowhere to be found. Where did she go?

On Wednesday, March 29th, the usual late-night visit to Austin’s hangout became a cause for concern. Austin was bleeding. A lot. Frantically, following many Google searches, Austin was rushed to the veterinarian. Ultimately, the vet said that it could either be a life threatening emergency or nothing major. It it was an emergency, the veterinarian indicated that the cost of surgery could run between $1000 and $8000. The veterinarian said to monitor Austin closely for the next few days to see if her condition improved.

“We became very concerned for her health when the bleeding did not subside after a few days. In fact, it got worse,” Dery said, who joined me in visiting Austin on a daily basis.

We suspected she may have pyometra, a uterine infection that can easily kill a cat within a week if the course is severe enough. After consulting with a friend, Lisa Weisberg, a who has extensive experience in cat rescue and has rescued many cats of her own, we knew we had to act immediately. With the help of two friends and fellow cat-lovers, Dery and Eva Petron, we lured the cat out, picked her up and dropped her in a carrier. Although she was frightened, she was calm, and quiet and a wonderful houseguest.

The next morning, Dery dropped her off at Villanova Veterinary Hospital, where an expert confirmed a Google-search hypothesis: she had a uterine infection. Not only that, but an x-ray showed that she was pregnant with four kittens. The doctor was unsure if they were viable, but planned to operate on Austin the following morning. We would only know then if the kittens were alive, but Austin would be given antibiotics in the meantime.

The veterinarian called the following morning with wonderful news: the antibiotics had helped Austin tremendously. The bleeding had reduced significantly, and an ultrasound confirmed that there were four heartbeats present. Austin was given some vaccines, was tested for feline aids, leukemia, influenza and heart worm (all negative), and was sent home with antibiotics. She was the calmest patient ever, and things were looking up for her. The next day, she made an uneventful trip home to New York City, calmly riding in the car and jamming out to Weezer. Austin took up residence with Weisberg, who had graciously offered to care for her through her labor and recovery.

“When [I] checked on her later that night something didn’t seem right – Austin was very quiet and didn’t move,” Weisberg said, who advised we err on the side of safety and return to the veterinarian the following day.

Labor began much sooner than expected. The next day, Austin gave birth to one stillborn kitten. Weisberg and the cat was rushed to the veterinarian. The veterinarian stated that Austin had no fever, which was a good sign. Three heartbeats were still present, and we were told that the rest of the kittens should be out. 24 hours later, no more kittens had emerged, so Austin went right back to the hospital. Only two heartbeats were left, she was running a fever and becoming septic.

“The infection had taken over her body and filled her bladder and trachea,” Weisberg said, who was with Austin at the veterinarian that morning. The pyometra had gone from open to closed, meaning that the infection was no longer flushing out. She had hours left to live.

“An emergency spay was performed and Austin’s life was literally saved,” Weisberg said.

Hours later, Austin emerged from surgery, lucky to be alive. Sadly, the two kittens did not make it, as they were two weeks premature and gestating in an infected environment. Austin returned home, weary and covered in stitches from her operation. She gratefully scarfed down two cans of food and immediately fell asleep. The following morning, Austin was so much better. She was so lucky to have made it; had we waited any longer, she certainly would not have. She spent all day curled up on the couch. Austin is truly a lap cat at heart, and a great cuddler. She is sad to leave everyone on campus behind, but is already adored by her new family and hrilled to be in her new home in a matter of weeks. Her foster mom, Weisberg, is taking incredible, attentive care of her until then.

“Taking care of Austin these past three months was a life changing experience,” Petron said. “I never let a day go by without feeding her ever since I saw her wandering outside of Austin Hall on January 13th. The growth I saw in this cat was not only inspiring but unbelievable. I went from not being able to pet her, to her sitting on my lap for moments at a time. I want to thank you for giving your love or spare scraps to Austin when she needed it the most. We must continue to come together as a community and help out the other stray cats on campus. Without us, they won’t make it. Please continue to look out for our other friends lingering around campus. It was truly an honor to care for and ultimately save Austin in the true spirit of a Wildcat.”

Thank you to everyone who took the time to care for this truly special cat. To feed her, to pet her, to spend time with her and play with her. A special thank you to Weisberg, Dery and Petron, as their care, concern, and investment saved her life. One can see in her comfort and trust that she was well treated and wellloved by our Villanova community. Rest assured knowing she is happy and healthy.

What’s in the Stars for You: April Horoscopes

Chloe Miller Co-Culture Editor

Aries: It is your time to shine, Aries. With spring in full bloom, you are feeling more creative and powerful than ever. Dedicate some time each day to explore these new creative outlets and avenues. In addition, mindfully spend your free time with the people who mean the most to you. This will not only recharge your battery, but will show the most important people you love and appreciate them.

Taurus: This week, you might find yourself with more free time than usual. Maybe a class was canceled, or it is a lighter week of schoolwork. Take this time to give back to the people who are important to you. You can identify people in your life who have been there for you when you have been overwhelmed; now it is time for you to fill their cup while you have the ability.

Gemini: You may feel really overwhelmed right now. In these moments of extreme stress, uncertainty and turbulence, it is important to remember the past. Identify times where you have made it through events and experiences that felt impossible. Harness the strength you have within you and your capability to persevere. Although this is challenging, you are more capa- ble than you believe.

Cancer: You feel a lack of control this week. While you would much rather feel like you can predict everything that happens, lean into this uncertainty and embrace what will come. When you feel yourself worrying about the future, try to center on the present. Everything will work out the way it is supposed to.

Leo: This week, you may be faced with a difficult and stark decision. While there may be a clear “safe” option, make sure to recognize the benefits that could come from taking a risk. The stars urge you to realize the capabilities you have in the unknown. It is easy to stick to your comfort zone, but the benefits that can come from taking a risk are more bountiful than you can imagine.

Virgo: You attract what you put out into the universe. Think about it. What energy are you putting into the world? Positivity, anxiousness, turbulence, optimism, regret, excitement? What do you want this energy to reflect to others? You can control the image that other people have of you by altering the energy you put into the world. Create the picture of yourself that you would best want to show to others.

Libra: You feel on top of the world right now. While it is important to bask in this feeling and recognize all that you did to get here, don’t forget to also take the time to recognize new passions, goals and dreams. Your capabilities have exceeded your expectations. This is the perfect time to continue to push further into what you can see for yourself.

Scorpio: This week you might feel a lack of motivation. At first, this scares you because you are used to using productivity to measure your success. Challenge yourself to reframe this mindset and recognize the benefits of not pushing forward at full force. What do you gain from slowing down and taking time for projects and people that ignite you? The answer: more than you can imagine.

Sagittarius: You may find yourself faced with a large obstacle or issue you did not expect to arise. While your knee-jerk reaction is to jump at the problem full force to try and do damage control, try to take some time to separate yourself from the issue in order to think holistically about the situation. Although it may be difficult to jump at the quick solution, you will find that taking the time to process the event will allow you to come up with the best course of action that will satisfy you.

Capricorn: You may have been feeling not quite like yourself this week. Your emotions seem to be unhinged and you are quick to snap, even at people who care about you and have your best interest at heart. If you recognize this within yourself, take some time now to proactively reflect and prepare for the future so you do not react in this way to your closest allies. It will pay off in your relationships and mental health.

Aquarius: You need to be more sure of yourself. This week, you will find yourself replaying old, negative memories. When you are in this state of mind, try to shift the narrative to recognize why you reacted the way you did and why the decisions you made in the moment were the best for you. Giving yourself the grace to make mistakes or rash decisions is a skill and a gift that will serve you in the future. After all, it is only a part of human nature.

Pisces: Spring has sprung. You feel like you finally see the light at the end of the tunnel and are basking in the sunshine. Embrace this and use the good energy to propel yourself forward into your next endeavor. While also focusing on yourself, remember you can give back to others while riding high. Bringing your joy to others is the ultimate gift. The hard times are behind you, Pisces. Take it all in and enjoy the view.