2023 Success Story Hercules

This is Hercules, a 1-year-old house cat. As every cat owner knows, felines are very, very curious creatures. And they often love to snuggle up in the most unexpected of places, like blankets on a couch, a dog bed, and even a clothes dryer. However, when a cat intersects with a dryer, the risk is real.

One day while doing laundry, Hercules’ mom was told by her children that Hercules was accidentally left in the dryer while it was running. When she got to Hercules, he was bleeding from his nose and she was worried they were losing him. She knew that he needed to be seen by a vet ASAP, but didn't know how to cover the bill. 

Hercules' mom is on a single income and struggles to make ends meet; she applied with Fur Kids Foundation right away for help with Hercules’ emergency veterinary bills. 

Hercules was monitored, put on oxygen and fluids at the vet. Luckily, Hercules wasn't in the dryer for a long time and she was told that he shouldn't suffer any neurological issues; we are happy to report that he is expected to make a full recovery!

A cat will often sneak into the dryer when their pawrent isn’t looking or is distracted. Not realizing that their beloved cat is inside, they close the door and start the dryer. When a cat is accidentally left in a dryer, they can suffer from heatstroke, burns, broken bones and internal injuries from all the uncontrollable jostling. If they’re left in an operating dryer for too long, their body temperature rises too much and they can sadly die.

Fur Kids Foundation encourages all cat owners to double check the dryer before starting it on laundry day. We also have a few other tips that can help keep your feline friend safe: 

• Consider putting your cat’s litter box away from the laundry room, and restrict access to the laundry room if possible.
• Make sure your dryer door is closed before you walk away from it.
• Always check the dryer before turning it on.
• Be certain that all family members who do laundry are aware of the rules.
• While you’re checking your dryer, consider checking the washing machine, too.

No matter what is happening with your fur kid, at any stage of life, Fur Kids Foundation encourages you to call your veterinarian sooner rather than later.

Will you donate $10 today to help us continue to help fur kids get back on their paws? Donations are tax deductible. Or you can join our pack to help get fur kids back on their paws by becoming a volunteer. If you didn’t know, Fur Kids Foundation is 100% run by dedicated volunteers who give their time to help the Foundation raise money with events, take applications, and spread the word about the good work the Foundation does in Campbell County, Wyoming.