When an animal is rescued, most people think of confinement, cramped spaces, or visible signs of neglect, such as physical wounds. Despite these images being very real, the truth is that some of the deepest wounds aren’t seen at all.
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge has learned that trauma doesn’t end when a facility is shut down for abuse or neglect. For many animals rescued from government confiscation—often from unlicensed, dangerous, and inhumane conditions—the damage runs far deeper than what’s visible.
Damage often reveals itself in their kidneys, strained by chronic dehydration and years of poor nutrition. It appears in their hearts—both emotionally and physically—where prolonged stress or inbreeding leads to serious complications. It’s etched into their bones, misshapen by malnutrition and confinement during critical stages of development.
These are not isolated conditions—they result from years spent without proper care, nourishment, or the most basic necessities.
Wildcats, especially those raised in neglectful environments, are prone to developing Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) – a painful and often irreversible condition caused by improper nutrition. Without balanced calcium and phosphorus levels, their bones can become weak and malformed, resulting in a lifetime of mobility issues and chronic pain.
An unbalanced diet high in protein and phosphorus is a known risk factor for kidney disease in exotic animals. A lack of clean, consistent access to water can also damage the kidneys long-term.
The reality is this: the trauma these rescued animals carry doesn’t stop at their skin. And for the team at TCWR, the rescue is often only the beginning.