Coco’s First Examination

When Coco arrived as a stray, her condition was concerning right away. She was thin, tired, and uncomfortable after eating. Meals didn’t seem to help her regain strength, and despite having an appetite, her body simply wasn’t benefiting from the food she was given.

Our Animal Health team began a full medical workup to understand what was happening. The results showed Coco had exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) — a disorder where the pancreas doesn’t produce the enzymes needed to digest food properly. Without those enzymes, nutrients pass through the body instead of being absorbed, leaving animals hungry, weak, and unable to maintain weight.

For Coco, eating wasn’t nourishing her. It was exhausting her.

Building a Care Plan

Managing EPI requires consistency and precision. The veterinary team created a structured daily routine to support her digestion and prevent further weight loss.

Her meals changed completely. Coco began receiving a pre-digested gastrointestinal wet food designed to be easier on her system. Digestive enzyme supplements were added to every meal, twice a day, to help her body process nutrients properly.

Progress didn’t happen overnight.

The early days were quiet — careful monitoring, small adjustments, and patience. Weight gain with EPI is gradual, and every gram mattered. Slowly, her body began to respond. Her coat improved. Her energy lifted. Her posture softened. Coco wasn’t just eating anymore — she was finally being nourished.

Waiting for the Right Home

Although Coco was medically stable, her condition meant she needed a home willing to maintain a lifelong routine. Her food, supplements, and schedule would always be part of daily life.

Days passed as potential adopters met her, learned about her needs, and considered the commitment. Then one visit changed everything.

A couple who had been visiting the shelter met Coco and connected with her immediately. With veterinary clinic experience, they understood what her diagnosis meant and what her care would require. The routine didn’t intimidate them — it reassured them they could help her stay healthy.

Life After the Shelter

In her new home, Coco continued the same feeding schedule and medical plan she had learned at the shelter. Consistency made the difference. With reliable care and a predictable routine, she kept gaining strength and settling into daily life.

Instead of focusing on discomfort, Coco could focus on being a cat — resting comfortably, exploring her space, and enjoying attention from her family. The structure that once stabilized her health became part of a normal, happy routine.

More Than a Diagnosis

Coco’s journey shows how some animals don’t just need time — they need answers. A diagnosis provided direction. A treatment plan provided relief. The right home provided stability.

With all three in place, Coco didn’t just recover.

She finally felt well.