04/23/2025
Meet Stribog!
Stribog’s story began in the unlikeliest of places—a parking garage dumpster in the dead of winter. His owner first heard the faint cries of a kitten while heading to a chiropractic appointment but, running late, didn’t have time to investigate. When the mewing persisted after the appointment, she followed the sound to a dumpster.
Expecting to find a trapped cat, she opened the garbage bin and was shocked to discover a backpack at the bottom, inside of which lay a tiny, freezing kitten with singed whiskers. She immediately took him home, introducing him to her other cats, who welcomed him into their family despite his unorthodox grooming habits (he believed kisses were the proper way to get cleaned). Over time, Stribog grew into a sweet, cuddly, and slightly skittish polydactyl cat who loved to snuggle and judge his humans with his ever-grumpy expression.
At ten years old, Stribog’s health took a concerning turn. His owner first noticed he was losing vision in his left eye. Soon after, he began compulsively circling to the right, losing weight rapidly, and sitting oddly. Alarmed, she sought veterinary care, and after an MRI and neurological examination, the cause became clear—a large brain tumor pressing on the right side of his brain. The mass was not only affecting his vision and movement but also displacing parts of his brain, creating a dangerous situation.
Faced with the possibility that the tumor was cancerous and could worsen rapidly, Stribog’s owner worked with the neurology team to decide on the best course of action. Under the expert care of Dr. Chai-Fei Li and the neurology team, Stribog underwent a craniotomy to remove the tumor. While surgery always carries risks, the procedure was successful. The tumor was removed, and Stribog remained stable throughout anesthesia. The next 24-48 hours were critical, but he showed remarkable resilience in his recovery.
Post-surgery, Stribog defied expectations. His incision site healed beautifully, and he was soon back to his usual self—walking well, eating heartily, and cuddling as he always had. His owner expressed immense gratitude for the dedication and skill of the veterinary team, praising their exceptional care.
Although further monitoring and possible treatments will depend on histopathology results, for now, Stribog is thriving, proving once again that he is a fighter.
Meningiomas are the most common type of brain tumor in cats, and the good news is that they tend to grow slowly and often respond very well to surgical removal — our hope is that Stribog will have many happy years ahead before any recurrence.
From a discarded kitten in a dumpster to a beloved family member overcoming brain surgery, his journey is a testament to resilience, love, and the incredible impact of veterinary medicine. Stribog’s story is one of hope, reminding us all why we do what we do—to give pets like him the best chance at a happy, healthy life.