Earless Cat Finds Forever Home Thanks to Creative Animal Shelter Workers
When a stray cat named Lady in a Fur Coat arrived at the Dane County Humane Society in early December, her future was uncertain. Found wandering near Madison, Wisconsin, Lady was clearly in distress. Shelter staff quickly discovered that she was suffering from chronic ear infections and hematomas in both ears. The veterinary team determined that the best course of action to relieve her pain was to remove her ear flaps entirely. It was a difficult decision, but one that ultimately gave Lady a second chance at a pain-free life.
Lady spent her recovery period at the veterinarian's office, where she received constant care and affection. As her discomfort subsided, her personality began to shine through. According to Ash Collins, donor relations specialist at Dane County Humane Society, Lady became increasingly affectionate, offering cuddles and head bumps to the staff and volunteers who cared for her. Her sweet nature quickly won over everyone at the shelter.
Still, there were concerns about how Lady’s unique appearance might affect her chances of adoption. While her earless look did not diminish her charm to those who knew her, the shelter staff worried that potential adopters might overlook her. In response, Collins decided to do something both creative and heartwarming to help Lady stand out. Drawing on her crochet skills, she crafted a pair of soft, purple ears for Lady to wear—a whimsical ear bonnet that gave the cat a new, eye-catching look.
The result was as endearing as it was effective. Collins gently placed the crocheted ears on Lady’s head and took a few photos. The images, shared on the shelter’s Facebook page, quickly captured the hearts of supporters. The visual contrast of Lady’s earless head adorned with soft, handmade ears was not only adorable but also highlighted her resilience and the shelter’s commitment to giving every animal the best possible chance at a loving home.
According to Collins, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Staff, volunteers, and online followers alike were charmed by Lady’s new look. Most importantly, the photos did exactly what they were intended to do: they helped Lady find a forever home. On the very same day she was made available for adoption, Lady was adopted by someone who had seen her photo online. Her new family welcomed her with open arms, and she is now thriving in a home where she is loved just as she is.