Adoptable Pet Of The Week: Meet Orzo, A Toothless, Resilient Cat Ready For A Fresh Start

LONG ISLAND, NY — Toothless Orzo is this week's adoptable cat of the week – he is waiting for his loving forever home.

Orzo was rescued from a hoarding situation in upstate New York and made his way to North Shore Animal League America's Port Washington location.

There, the young cat received treatment for severe stomatitis, which is an immune-mediated disease that causes severe inflammation in the oral cavity, Dr. Mark Verdino, Animal League America's chief of veterinary staff, said.

"The easiest way to explain it is that these cats are essentially having an allergic reaction to their own teeth," he said.

To save Orzo from a lifetime of chronic pain and ongoing medical management, the only effective treatment was a full-mouth extraction, NSALA said.

"The biggest concern is pain," he said. “Without surgery, he would likely spend his life uncomfortable and dependent on medication."

Orzo's healthy appetite for soft food and love of catnip are positive signs that he's recovering well from the two-hour surgery and is ready to find his forever family, NSALA said.

More information on Orzo and where to apply can be found online on his adoption page.

The Port Washington North Shore Animal League America Shelter is located at 25 Davis Ave. and is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.