Alistair is Street Cat HUB’s Meow of the Month for May. This sweet young cat came to us frightened, uncomfortable, and in need of medical care after being removed from a hoarding house in rural New Mexico. Today, he is healing, growing his beautiful black fur back, and waiting for the foster or adopter who will give him the safe home he deserves.

Alistair receiving medical care after being rescued from a rural New Mexico hoarding situation.

Found Hiding Inside the Walls

In mid-March, Alistair was found living in a home with close to 100 cats and three dogs. Conditions were crowded, and Alistair had taken refuge inside the walls of the house.

When he arrived at Street Cat HUB, he was suffering from a severe skin condition. He scratched himself uncontrollably, his skin was irritated, and much of his fur had fallen out.

Even in pain and after living in such difficult conditions, Alistair remained gentle and loving. He quickly showed the people caring for him that underneath his medical problems was a sweet cat who wanted attention, comfort, and safety.

The Handsome Cat Underneath

Alistair is a young adult black long-haired cat, although no one realized that at first.

His dermatological issues were so severe that much of his coat was gone when he came into care. As his treatment began working, his soft black fur slowly started growing back. Everyone caring for him began to see the handsome long-haired boy who had been hidden underneath his damaged skin and missing coat.

Alistair’s black fur is growing back as he continues healing and waits for a medical foster or adopter.

His progress has been encouraging. When Alistair receives his medication as directed, his scratching improves and his fur continues to grow back.

Medical Care and Continued Treatment

After arriving at Street Cat HUB, Alistair was neutered and referred to veterinary partner Juan Tabo Animal Clinic for medical care while he recovered.

He is now under the care of Dr. Nicole Vigil, Medical Director at Street Cat HUB, who is overseeing his treatment plan and continued medical needs.

A final diagnosis has not been made yet. Alistair’s next medical step is a skin biopsy to help identify what is causing his dermatitis and guide his long-term treatment plan.

Alistair may need lifelong medication management to control his itching and scratching. That does not make him any less deserving of a home. It simply means he needs a person who can provide steady care, follow his medical plan, and give him the patience he has earned.

Alistair’s skin condition required continued treatment, monitoring, and a plan for long-term care.

When TNR Leads to Additional Help

Street Cat HUB’s mission is to provide accessible, humane and effective population control of community cats through Trap-Neuter-Return.

For many community cats, TNR means they are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and returned to the outdoor home they know.

Some cats need a different path.

In keeping with its mission, Street Cat HUB works to connect cats who need additional medical care, cats who are adoptable, and kittens who are too young to return outdoors with rescue partners and shelters that can continue their care.

Alistair could not simply be treated and returned. His medical condition required continued monitoring and treatment, and his sweet personality made it clear that he deserved the chance to live safely in a home.

Street Cat HUB began the search for a rescue partner who could take Alistair into their program and help find the placement he needs.

Nine Lives Rescue NM Steps In

When Nine Lives Rescue NM heard Alistair’s story, they stepped forward and accepted him into their rescue program.

While the right medical foster or experienced adopter is found, Alistair is residing at a satellite medical location for Nine Lives Rescue. There, he continues to receive his medication, monitoring, and daily care while his medical team works toward answers and his rescue team works toward a home.

Alistair has already been through so much. Now he needs a quiet place, consistent care, and someone willing to see him through the next part of his healing.

Alistair Needs a Medical Foster or Experienced Adopter

Nine Lives Rescue NM is searching for a medical foster or experienced adopter for Alistair.

The right person for Alistair will be prepared to:

Follow his medication schedule.
Monitor his skin, fur growth, and scratching.
Bring him to any needed veterinary appointments.
Provide a calm, indoor home where he can feel safe.
Give him affection and patience as he continues to heal.

In return, Alistair will give his person the chance to watch a frightened cat who once hid inside the walls of an overcrowded home learn that he is finally safe.

He is sweet. He is gentle. He is worth the extra care.

Rescue Partnerships Save Lives

Alistair’s story shows what can happen when community cat organizations, veterinary partners, and rescues work together.

Street Cat HUB provided his neuter surgery, medical oversight, and a path into rescue care when returning him was not appropriate.

Juan Tabo Animal Clinic helped begin his medical treatment and recovery.

Nine Lives Rescue NM accepted him into rescue and is working to find the foster or adopter who can give him the home he needs.

Alistair is healing because people stepped up for him. Many cats still need the same chance.

Help Cats Like Alistair

You can help Street Cat HUB continue providing humane care for community cats in New Mexico.

Donate

Your donation helps support TNR services, vaccinations, medical assessment, recovery care, and assistance for community cats who need help beyond surgery.

Assist With Trapping

Volunteer trappers help community cats get safely to surgery and medical care. Trapping prevents future litters and helps cats receive humane services they might never receive otherwise.

Help Care for Cats

Volunteers who care for cats during recovery provide clean spaces, food, monitoring, and comfort while cats heal. That daily care matters for cats like Alistair.

Foster or Adopt Alistair

If you have experience caring for a cat with medical needs, or you can provide a calm foster home while Alistair continues treatment, please contact Nine Lives Rescue NM.

Give Alistair the Home He Has Been Waiting For

Alistair spent too long hiding, hurting, and living without the care he needed.

Today, his fur is growing back. His medical care is moving forward. His rescue team is committed to him.

Now he needs the person who will open their home and show him that he never has to hide again.

Meow of the Month: Alistair’s Story of Healing and Hope