Sponsor a Cat: Kobe

Kobe joined the League's Sponsor Program in 2002. Kobe is a very playful and mischievous, medium-sized black and white adult domestic short hair cat. Unfortunately, he suffers from a very serious heart murmur. It is difficult to get him to restrict his activity level since he loves to race around, play with anything he can find and get into a bunch of trouble! The League has successfully placed Kobe into a loving foster care home and continues to monitor his health closely.

After years of ultrasounds and echocardiograms our veterinary staff has determined that Kobe has a guarded prognosis at best. His intensive care includes visits to the League's state-of-the-art Medical Center for check-ups every three months. There is no medication that can help Kobe at this time. It is the League's unrelenting mission to ensure that Kobe continues to enjoy every day that he possibly can.

Kobe's Updates

3rd Quarter 2009
Cranky Kobe is doing well. His foster mother had his back shaved again since he will not let her brush him and he can not reach his own back to clean himself. He's been enjoying the lazy days of summer and you can often find him perched on the kitchen window watching everyone and everything outside.

2nd Quarter 2009
Sir Kobe got himself into the cat house again for bad behavior! Sir Kobe is still having issues with one of the cats in his household, feline Oreo. He has now pounced on her on 2 separate occasions and has put several bite wounds into her. Unfortunately, he is only allowed out of his room under supervision. Health wise, Sir Kobe is doing fine and his condition remains the same. His foster mother has positioned his bed on top of the dresser in his room. He lies in his bed almost all day and the positioning of it enables him to look out the window which is his favorite pastime.

1st Quarter 2009
Sir Kobe is still in the "cat house" for bad behavior. Thankfully, he's been getting along well with his new siblings (a dog and a cat) but he's still having trouble getting along with some of the other cats in his household. Unfortunately, he bit another cat in the house. In an effort to keep him separated, he has been spending a lot of time in his own room which is not a bad place at all. He has his own bed, chair, litter box, and feeding area along with toys. He only allows three of the other cats in the room with him. He will allow all of the dogs. As you know by now, Sir Kobe fancies the dogs more than the cats, go figure!

4th Quarter 2008
Kobe was enrolled into the Animal League's sponsor program at age 5. 2009 will mark his 7th year anniversary in this life-saving program. In honor of his perseverance and determination to handle his medical challenges in such a noble and majestic manner, Kobe has been "knighted" by the Animal League and will forever be known as Sir Kobe. He really is the King of his household. His seniority and stateliness enable him to set the rules among the other cats under his reign. He's been doing a regal job at keeping the peace and setting a good example to follow by always being the "bigger feline"!

3rd Quarter 2008
We are happy to report that medically, Kobe is feeling well. His foster mother tells us that he's still at war with a couple of the other cats in the household and that she is still working hard to keep the peace among them. When they do decide to settle down, Kobe's favorite spot to relax is on the window sill in the front window of the house which looks onto the street. He loves to watch the passersby and of course any animal activity, such as squirrels, birds and dogs! His foster family has affectionately named him their watch cat!

2nd Quarter 2008
We are happy to report that Kobe seems to be doing well. He's enjoying life and following his normal daily routine. His new favorite spot in the house is sitting by the front window and he does this with the other dogs in the household. Yep, he gets along well with the dogs! If someone approaches the house or another animal ventures into the lawn, Kobe gets into attack mode. He's a big watch cat when the situation calls for it!

1st Quarter 2008
Kobe is the only cat in the house that has his very own room. He is picky about who he lets into that room too - only the dogs and his 2 favorite cats are allowed in. He'll hiss and growl at the other cats. He surely does mean business, so they steer clear. If he ventures out of his room into the rest of the house, he always ends up in the downstairs bathroom perched perfectly so that he can observe all the comings and goings of the household.

4th Quarter 2007
Kobe is a unique and somewhat controversial kitty. Instead of teaming up with the other cats in the house, he prefers to hang around the dogs! In fact, his foster mom tells us that at night, Kobe will climb into bed with her and find a cozy spot right in between the three dogs. Kobe also loves to play in the bathroom. Everyone has to make sure to keep the toilet lid down or Kobe will come in for a drink. He must have learned that from the doggies!

3rd Quarter 2007
Kobe is a little fickle these days. Just a month ago he was best buddies with Munchkin. Now it seems Kobe has turned his attention to one of the dogs in the house! They've been sharing their dinners with each other and have even been caught napping together!

2nd Quarter 2007
It seems that Kobe is quite particular about who enters his domain. Kobe has plenty of foster sibling cats and dogs in his household, but they don't all get the same treatment. There are no "all access" signs hanging in Kobe's room. Only one dog and one cat sibling get VIP access. When the others try to enter, he hisses and spits. Kobe means business. We think he'd make a great bouncer!

1st Quarter 2007
Kobe's health is pretty stable since we last spoke - and his foster mom's bed is still the hot spot for a good nap. Kobe is very lucky to have a big family. His household is filled with other cats and dogs, and they all appear to get along fairly well. Interestingly, Kobe still seems to favor the dogs in the group, though we're not sure why. Perhaps Kobe enjoys the feeling of being enveloped - safe and sound. Nonetheless, Kobe has you, his caring sponsors to thank for all his cozy creature comforts.

4th Quarter 2006
Kobe is doing wonderful! He lives with other cats and dogs, and just lately, he's been partial to the dogs more than the cats…go figure! In fact, Kobe hangs out with the dogs during the day and sleeps in the same bed with them at night! Can you believe it?! Kobe has a distinct personality and he is picky about who he likes to be around. There's only one cat that has edged his way into Kobe's heart and he allows that cat to eat meals with him. If it weren't for Sponsors like you, Kobe wouldn't be living such a great life!

3rd Quarter 2006
Kobe recently had another echocardiogram and no changes were found. That's the best news we could have gotten. So good in fact, that Kobe doesn't have to have another echo for a whole twelve months! He must be feeling well because he's been a good boy around the house not starting any fights with the other cats. Kobe has recently surprised his foster mom out of the blue by coming into the bedroom, purring so loudly, snuggling up and going to sleep right by his foster mom's side. Perhaps Kobe might be finally settling down now that he's a little bit older.

2nd Quarter 2006
Much to the relief to his foster care mom, Kobe finally seems to be back to normal after losing his friend Skeezik. Until recently he'd only really been palling around with Munchkin and shooing everyone else away when they'd come near his room. Now however our friend Kobe must be going soft; he's letting as many as three of his feline sisters and brothers up into his room and he's even letting them sample his food! Isn't it amazing how cats change their personalities and preferences like people do? A recent echocardiogram has shown no significant changes to Kobe's heart, we're very glad to report. Kobe has recently taken a liking to his foster care daddy's boots; he keeps chewing the laces off! He's still the mischievous kitty we all know and love!

1st Quarter 2006
As we mentioned last time, Kobe has a new best friend. Well, according to Kobe's mom their friendship has still been going strong. She still is the only other cat allowed in Kobe's room and allowed to share his dinner! He really must be sweet on this female companion! In other Kobe related news, he has not been a cooperative boy when it comes to letting his foster care Mother bring him in for his check ups. She says she's going to try again soon. We're happy that Kobe is feeling spunky enough to avoid being put in a carrier but sooner or later Kobe's luck is going to run out and he's going to have that check up! Kobe has been enjoying lap time with his foster care mom and even allowing her Mom to brush him. He's been purring rather loudly during these sessions and we are glad to hear that Kobe is so content.

December 2005
Kobe seems to be slowly coming around after the loss of his close friend, Skeezik. He has actually begun palling around with another cat in his foster care home, and it's a little female! Kobe has begun patrolling the entire second floor of his foster care home not really wanting many of the other animals to intrude on his space. However, Kobe's new friend, Munchkin is the only other cat he'll allow in "his room." She has free rein to wander anywhere in Kobe's area! Kobe is due to come in for an ultrasound within the next few weeks. For a cat with such a serious heart problem his strength and high spirits are inspiring. We will keep you informed of his test results. Thank you for your continued support.

November 2005
Poor Kobe lost a dear friend recently – his housemate, a twenty-year old cat named Skeezik, passed away after suffering from hyperthyroidism and renal failure. Kobe and Skeezik were the best of pals and it will take some time for Kobe to heal from his loss. Fortunately, he has very loving foster care parents. They have been doing all they can to help -- giving Kobe lots of love and attention during this difficult time. Kobe is usually a cranky kitty, but even he realizes that he needs the comfort of others right now –he even let his foster care Mom give him a belly rub, and he acknowledged her kindness by rubbing his head against her. Thank you so much for your steadfast support of Kobe and the other special needs animals. Your love and generosity allows them to live their days in comfort, health, and safety.

October 2005
Poor Kobe had a bit of a scare recently. His best friend Skeezik had fallen and was meowing in distress. Kobe didn't really understand what was going on, and became rather protective of his buddy when his foster care Mom came to help. She ended up having to calm both kitties down before she could aid Skeezik. Fortunately everyone is fine now and Kobe has settled back down – the last thing his compromised heart needs is a lot of excitement or stress. Your love of Kobe and the other special needs animals is truly appreciated by us all. It is your kindness that allows them a brighter and happier future.

September 2005
Kobe has put on a bit of weight recently – which is good considering his heart problem. The bad news is that he has gained so much weight that his grooming has suffered – he can no longer reach certain spots. Kobe's foster care Mom has been trying to brush him, but Kobe has been less than cooperative. She's managed to get most of his coat done, but there are several mats at the base of his tail that Kobe will not let her touch – for now anyway. Hopefully he'll have a change in mood soon and Mom will be able to conquer those mats. It is your support that allows us to provide Kobe and the other special needs animals with loving homes and needed medical care. We couldn't do it without you – thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

August 2005
We all have bad days, and Kobe is no exception. Recently, he woke up on the wrong side of the bed and wanted nothing to do with anyone – his foster care Mom or his feline housemates – he just wanted to be left alone. Kobe has been known to be a bit temperamental – especially if you try and put him in his crate – but this crankiness was extreme, even for him. His foster care Mom, worried that there might be something wrong with Kobe, kept a close eye on him. But within a day or so, Kobe was back to his old "I'm in charge" self, and paling around with all his buddies. Isn't that funny how animals can have an off day just like people can? Thank you for opening your heart up to Kobe and the other special needs animals.

July 2005
We're so pleased with how well Kobe's been doing. His temperament has vastly improved, and he's allowing his foster care Mom to brush him on a regular basis. He's now mat-free, which makes everyone happy. Kobe has even been getting along with other cats – his foster care Mom has slowly been introducing him to the other felines and so far it seems to be working. In the past, Kobe would hiss and scratch but now he simply sniffs and walks away. What a difference! Kobe has come such a long way – thanks to the loving patience of his foster care family. Thanks to you too for your generous support of Kobe and the other special needs animals. It is because of your kindness that we are able to provide them with the tender loving care they so desperately need.

June 2005
Kobe has been a very cranky kitty. He shared his foul mood with everyone – all the other animals in his house and even his foster care Mom. Kobe wouldn't let her groom him, hissing and clawing every time he saw the brush come out. Thankfully, the wrath of Kobe seems to have passed, and things are almost back to normal. Unfortunately now Kobe's got some bad hair mats that need to be tended to – his foster care Mom is slowly working on them; she certainly doesn't want to risk upsetting him again! Thank you for opening your heart up to Kobe and the other special needs animals. Your love and generosity makes a world of difference in their lives.

May 2005
The fresh air of Spring does wonders for Kobe's mood and energy level - it's almost as if he's a kitten again. He loves to spend hours at the window transfixed by the birds and squirrels scurrying about outside - his tail twitching as he watches them go from tree to tree in his yard. When Kobe tires, he simply takes a nap right there at the window. The only thing that seems to bring him down from his perch is dinnertime! Thank you so much for allowing us to care for Kobe and the other special needs animals. We couldn't do it without your support.

April 2005
Kobe sure likes his toys. He has a fuzzy teddy bear that he grooms constantly – just to make sure everyone knows it's his. But his absolute favorite toys – the ones he goes nuts over – are little fake mice. He throws them around, chases them, and hunts them down for hours at a time. His foster care Mom thinks Kobe gets so involved playing with the mice that he forgets that they are not real. She has to keep an eye on him though, because before he's done he'll rip those mice apart. Then it's time for her to clean up and get Kobe his teddy bear so he can calm himself down. Your continued support of Kobe and the other special needs animals allows us to provide them with the care they so desperately need. We couldn't do it without you.

March 2005
Kobe's a lion most of the time, always wanting to rule the roost in his home. But lately he's been showing a kinder, gentler side of his personality – his housemate and best friend, Skeezik, has not been himself lately, and Kobe has been doing his best to cheer him up. He snuggles up to Skeezik and softly grooms him, hoping it will get Skeezik out of his funk. Who would have guessed that our rough and tumble Kobe could be so kind! Thank you for being so kind to Kobe and the other special needs animals. Your generous support provides loving homes and needed medical care.

February 2005
Kobe truly believes he is king of the mountain. There are several cat trees in his foster care home, and he always wants to be at the top. If another cat in the house dares to climb up to Kobe's elevated perch, Kobe immediately gets up there and assumes his position, shooing the other cat away. Most of the cats know Kobe's routine and let him have his way, so there are very few brawls - fortunately. You are truly a wonderful person to care so much about Kobe and the other special needs animals. You are a hero to them.

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