Stelter Wildcat

I’m so sad to share that 14-year-old bobcat Stelter passed away suddenly this week. His loss was unexpected, but we find peace knowing he left this world the way he would have wanted. Stelter was a little quiet and refused his evening meal. The next morning, he was the same. We immediately called our vets since Stelter had always been a very good eater. Stelter passed away while receiving supportive care. A necropsy was performed and found that Stelter’s stomach and intestine were full of cancer. He passed from sepsis.

Just days before his passing, he was out enjoying the sun on his face, sharing cardboard box enrichment with his companion Brianna. He hid what he was going through so well. Stelter has never been social to people. He wouldn’t have wanted to be hospitalized or confined to a kennel. He lived every day like the day before, until his last breath. A strong exterior is what Stelter always showed – it was his protection. Growing up on a fur farm (yes, sadly they’re still legal here in the U.S.), Stelter was wild at heart even when he was confined to a small, suspended wire cage there. He and Brianna had nothing but a plastic barrel for shelter against bitter Minnesota winters.
It’s understandable why, since we rescued them, Stelter and Brianna never liked confinement or being too close to people. Here at the sanctuary, we gave them more freedom than they’d ever known. Stelter’s boldness was just as beautiful as he was. He was such a stunning bobcat with a gorgeous coat. His one soft spot was his mate Brianna. But even with her, he was in charge. You’d find them curled up sleeping together or sharing enrichment. Brianna understood him, and for that he respected her. We know Brianna will miss Stelter just as we will. But we know she’ll be okay since she is just as strong as Stelter was. Stelter, I know you’ll enjoy the newly found freedom you so deserved!

We’re sorry how humans treated you. Please know just how special your life was to all of us. You are in our hearts forever.