A Surprise Addition to the Family
In September of 2022, Bentley entered our lives in an unexpected way. At the time, we weren’t planning on adding a new cat to our family, but fate had other plans. Bentley’s journey to us was complicated, filled with multiple homes and a lengthy rescue process before he finally found his forever home with us.
The earliest record we have of Bentley’s origin is his time at an animal shelter. A kind gentleman, looking for a feline companion, chose Bentley and took him home. We can’t be sure whether Bentley already had his name or if his new owner bestowed it upon him, but one thing was clear—Bentley knew his name well. He responded to it so naturally that we believe it must have always been his name.
A Life in the Apartment Window
Bentley and his owner lived in an apartment directly below a family member of ours. When visiting our relatives, we often saw Bentley perched by the window, curiously observing the world outside. He was a familiar sight, and we enjoyed spotting him there.
Tragically, Bentley’s owner became seriously ill. His health deteriorated, requiring frequent hospital visits. During his hospital stays, he arranged for a friend to feed Bentley daily or every couple of days. Unfortunately, the gentleman never recovered, and after his final hospital trip, he passed away. We never learned what illness he suffered from, but his absence left Bentley in an uncertain situation.
A Cat Left Behind
With Bentley’s owner gone, his friend continued to feed him, but the care was inconsistent. The litter box was seldom cleaned, and Bentley was often alone in the apartment for extended periods. Occasionally, we’d catch a glimpse of him in the window, but for the most part, his presence was barely noticeable.
One evening, our sister returned home from work and ran into the man’s friend leaving the apartment. They struck up a conversation, during which the friend admitted that caring for Bentley was becoming too much for him. Our sister was given access to the apartment to share the responsibility. She immediately took over feeding Bentley and cleaning his litter box, which had been severely neglected. Under her care, Bentley’s living conditions improved significantly.
Over the next couple weeks, the man’s friend visited less frequently. What started as visits every day or two became visits every three to five days. It became clear that Bentley needed a new home, and we began searching for one in earnest.
Facing the Shelter Once Again
As we sought a permanent home for Bentley, his late owner’s family arrived to clean out the apartment. Our sister introduced herself and discussed Bentley’s future. Unfortunately, the family had no interest in keeping him, and it seemed inevitable that Bentley would be returned to the shelter.
Determined to prevent that outcome, our sister asked them to hold off while we looked for a home. They agreed, but we now had a deadline—once the apartment was cleared and inspected by the landlord, Bentley had to go somewhere.
A Temporary Home with Mom
Thankfully, before the deadline arrived, we found a home for Bentley—our mom stepped up and welcomed him in. She didn’t want to see him go back to the shelter, and a few pictures of his adorable face helped seal the decision. If you’ve ever seen Bentley, you’d understand why!
Bentley settled into Mom’s home comfortably for a few months. However, due to her own health issues, maintaining the litter box became increasingly difficult for her. As a result, whenever we visited, we took over the task of cleaning it.
A Mysterious Illness
Around this time, we noticed Bentley was losing weight. Concerned, we took him to the vet, who had previously given him a clean bill of health. The veterinarian determined Bentley was about 7 years old. Basically a mature adult cat but not quite a senior cat (but cute and adorable just the same). However, as Bentley became increasingly ravenous—getting into food left on the counter, tearing into bread, and displaying uncontrollable hunger—we suspected something was wrong.
Fearing a thyroid disorder or blood sugar issues, we scheduled another vet visit. Bentley’s symptoms had become more pronounced, making it clear that something serious was happening.
A Diagnosis of Feline Diabetes
After running a few tests, the vet diagnosed Bentley with Feline Diabetes. A follow-up appointment was scheduled for a glucose curve test, during which Bentley spent several hours at the clinic having his blood glucose levels monitored. This test helped determine the appropriate insulin dosage for his condition.
While Mom was willing to care for Bentley, managing a diabetic cat was beyond what she had signed up for. Given her own health concerns, it wasn’t feasible for her to monitor both herself and Bentley’s medical needs.
A New Permanent Home
At this point, we realized Bentley’s best chance at a stable, well-managed life was with us. We had experience caring for a diabetic cat before—our beloved Zippy had suffered from diabetes but went into remission with tighter glucose regulation. We had already mastered the routine of insulin injections and glucose monitoring, making us the best choice for Bentley’s future.
Zippy had passed away from cancer a few years prior, so we weren’t managing two diabetic cats simultaneously. Since we already had the knowledge and experience, it felt natural to take Bentley in and provide him with the care he needed.
Welcoming Bentley into Our Family
Once Bentley’s glucose curve was completed and his insulin dosage determined, he officially moved in with us. To our delight, our other cats, Belle, Paws and now Everly, accepted him without issue. We have dogs as well and no problems whatsoever. There were no fights, just peaceful coexistence. Our home had enough cat trees, huts, and beds for everyone to have their own space, making the transition smooth.
We now monitor Bentley’s glucose levels and administer insulin twice daily. His weight has returned to normal, though his insatiable appetite remains. Leaving food out is impossible—he will tear into anything edible, including bread. Meal preparation requires closing Bentley in a separate room to prevent him from getting into everything.
We use his strong food motivation to our advantage, giving him his insulin shots while he eats to distract him. Despite his challenges, Bentley is a beloved member of our family, and we are committed to his well-being.
Hope for Remission
Our hope is that one day, Bentley will achieve remission from diabetes, just as Zippy did. In the meantime, we continue to manage his condition with care and love.
Bentley’s journey has been a long and complicated one, but it has led him to a home where he is truly cherished. He may have had a rough start, but today, he is safe, healthy, and deeply loved. We wouldn’t have it any other way.
