Kohala animal protection group rescues abandoned cat left for dead with gaping neck wound

A North Hawai‘i animal protection organization is seeking emergency assistance with a truly sad and shocking case of animal cruelty.

Kohala Animal Relocation and Education Service — or KARES — needs the community’s help to pay for emergency surgery and ongoing care of an abandoned pet cat that was used for carving practice instead of being valued as someone’s furry friend.

“A few days ago, a good Samaritan found an abandoned pet cat in heartbreaking condition and reached out to KARES for help,” wrote the organization in a Saturday morning (March 7) Facebook post. “What we discovered was something no animal should ever endure.”

The cat had a gaping wound sliced across his neck and was left to what likely would have been his death.

Kohala Animal Relocation and Education Service reported that it became clear after being examined by a veterinarian that the injuries were not the result of a dog attack, fight with other felines or inflicted by another animal.

The truth was far more disturbing: his throat was slit and stabbed, and the wound was inflicted by a human.

“It is difficult to put into words how devastating it is to see such cruelty inflicted on a defenseless animal,” wrote Kohala Animal Relocation and Education Service in its post.

There was no time to waste after getting the call about the injured cat. He needed immediate surgery — not just to fix the wounds but to survive.

The cat underwent surgery and now is beginning the “long road to recovery” because of quick action by the good Samaritan, Kohala Animal Relocation and Education Service veterinary team and the organization itself, all of whom stepped in right away to help.

Despite the abuse and cruelty this cat endured, he’s fighting to live and Kohala Animal Relocation and Education Service, along with those who helped rescue him, are hopeful that with continued care, patience and love the cat will heal.

“I’m caring for this kitty,” commented Wendie Gonzalez in a reply to the Kohala Animal Relocation and Education Service post. “He’s eating again and recovering pretty well after surgery. So grateful for KARES.”

Kohala Animal Relocation and Education Service, however, did not have time to set up a fundraiser to help with medical and ongoing recovery costs for the saved cat because it was such an emergency.

And those costs are significant. So the organization is having an emergency fundraiser and pleading with its community — and anyone who can — to show it has more love than hate for the rescued kitty.

“We need your help,” Kohala Animal Relocation and Education Service wrote. “If you are able, please consider making a donation to help cover the cost of this lifesaving care. Every dollar helps.”

The organization relies solely on the generosity of the community for all its operational expenses.

“We are deeply saddened that acts like this happen in our community — but we are also reminded that there are far more compassionate people willing to step up and help,” Kohala Animal Relocation and Education Service wrote.

Sylvia Moke commented on the organization’s Facebook post that she hopes whoever is responsible for carving up and leaving the cat for dead gets their just deserts.

“We have sick people in this world and I hope karma hits them swiftly,” Moke wrote.

Community members and the public were quick to comment on the organization’s post and lend assistance.

“Thank you for saving this poor baby,” replied Uldra Johnson, who donated $10, hoping it helps a little. “There is so much animal cruelty on our island. Why?

Erin Christine-Elizabeth Young also donated.

“My heart is breaking for this sweetie. I hope he pulls through,” she wrote. “Thank you for everything you do!”

Kohala Animal Relocation and Education Service needs as much as possible to help the cat fully recover and get any further medical care needed.

Visit the organization’s website to donate now.

“Mahalo for standing with KARES and for helping animals who have no one else to speak for them,” it wrote in the Facebook post.