METHUEN — She left squalid conditions in a home with 50 other cats to reside in an animal shelter's cage.
With care from veterinarians and staff at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at Nevins Farm, she appears to have fought off a long-lasting case of ringworm.
Now, MSPCA workers hope somebody will give permanent shelter to this 9-month-old cat, named Solamente.
"We would love to see her go home for a special holiday, be home for Christmas," said Mike Keiley, manager at the animal adoption center.
Keiley said it would be nice for Solamente to be "sprawling out on a couch on Christmas Day" while her new family opens gifts.
Solamente is the last of 51 cats — mostly exotic breeds — surrendered to the MSPCA by a middle-aged woman from the Merrimack Valley in May.
Hence the name, which means "only" in Spanish.
Solamente was one of the few non-exotic breeds in the mix. She is a gray, long-haired dilute calico, Keiley said.
The MSPCA spent about $25,000 during the last several months to house and nurse the critters back to health. They do not receive government funding, so they rely on donations, Keiley said.
The pack of cats suffered from ringworm, eye infections, respiratory infections and giardia. Some needed dental work, and one even had a mummified baby inside of her, which was discovered during her spaying, Keiley said.
"We spent a lot of money just trying to get these animals available for adoption," he said.
Of all the cats, Solamente had the longest battle with ringworm, according to Keiley.
MSPCA staff planned to examine her one last time to make sure all her ringworm had cleared, and they expect to put her up for adoption next week.
"We think that she should be all set," Keiley said.
She will make a good pet, he added.
"Her personality has developed great and her health is coming along with it," he said.
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