Today, we say goodbye to Esme, a cat rescued by the director of Foundation Second, Belma Mujezinović, two years ago during a visit to the village of Kazagići near Goražde. At that time, the Foundation was helping a family with two boys with developmental difficulties by renovating and equipping their home, and Esme was found in extremely poor condition. With no possibility of treatment at a local clinic or veterinary station, the only option was to take her to Sarajevo, provide her with medical care, and place her in Cat Residence, a therapeutic cat project.
Her recovery was long and difficult. It took almost a year to treat severe malnutrition, intestinal problems, parasites, mange, microsporia, and coronavirus. Microsporia is a fungal skin infection that causes hair loss and itching, while mange is a parasitic disease that leads to severe skin irritation and sores. The feline coronavirus can cause mild digestive issues but, in some cases, develops into fatal FIP (feline infectious peritonitis). Esme narrowly escaped a fatal outcome from FIP but, unfortunately, tested positive for FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus), a virus that weakens a cat’s immune system and makes it susceptible to various infections.
When she finally gained enough strength for surgery, all of her teeth had to be removed due to their extremely poor condition, which was causing her pain. After that, she lived for nearly a year with other cats, enjoying their company, though due to past trauma, she always ate more than necessary, fearing she would go hungry again.
Unfortunately, in December, new problems arose. She became withdrawn and lost her appetite, and veterinary tests revealed she had developed chronic kidney failure. This disease means that the kidneys can no longer effectively filter toxins from the blood, leading to a gradual decline in health. Although a team of top veterinarians from City Vet Clinic did everything possible to ease her final months, the disease was irreversible. She received therapies and IV fluids almost daily, but when her time came, she left quietly, just as she had entered our lives—modest, gentle, and grateful.
Esme was no bigger than a six-month-old kitten, but she had a huge heart. Had she lived to see the opening of Cat Barn or Abu Hurairah Haven, where workshops and therapy sessions with cats will be held, she surely would have become a favorite among children. Her story is not just about rescuing one cat—it is a reminder of how much love and care we can give to animals that need us.
Other cats remain behind, waiting for their chance to do what they do best—cuddle, purr, and offer comfort to a child in need of attention, love, and understanding.
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If you would like to support the treatment of cats still in need of help, as well as cover the remaining costs of Esme’s medical care in amount of 200 EUR, you can make a donation to the Foundation's account with the note "Cat Residence"
FOUNDATION SECOND
NURIJE POZDERCA 8, SARAJEVO
BAM: 1413115320025053
or
EUR/USD IBAN: BA391413115310005729, SWIFT: BBIBBA22XXX, Bosna Bank International DD Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Additionally, donations can be made through PayPal at the address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling the unique humanitarian number for all telecom operators in Bosnia and Herzegovina: 17077, where you can donate 1 EUR for this selfless cause.
We thank everyone believes in the power of compassion and kindness.