Asthmatic cat lost at scene of car accident

COLUMBIA — Francis, a gray domestic shorthair cat, will jump onto your lap and purr as soon as you sit down. On Thursday, he jumped from his owner’s car after an accident popped open his crate. He was last seen at mile marker 144 off Interstate 70.

Francis was returning from a veterinary appointment for his asthma, which has been a lifelong struggle. He has been treated for the condition ever since his owner, Amy Delgrosso, found him as a stray about six years ago.

Francis can be recognized by a shaved patch of skin under his neck and each leg. He might be drooling, breathing harshly or coughing because of his asthma — all of which are not contagious, but require immediate medical attention.

“He might have severe asthma attacks,” said Tekla Lee, resident in small animal internal medicine at the College of Veterinary Medicine. These attacks would normally be treated with oxygen, bronchodilators, steroids and other medications.

His asthma, which was progressively getting worse, prompted his doctors to suggest euthanasia last week, but his health miraculously improved.

He is about seven years old and is gray with white paws and a white chest. He also has green eyes and is microchipped.

“He won’t drink water out of a bowl,” Delgrosso said. “We have to turn the faucets on just a little bit so he can drink from the sinks.”

Francis also gets along well with other animals. Bella, a 90-pound mixed breed dog, is one of his good friends.

If Francis is found, call either the College of Veterinary Medicine at 882-7821 or the owner at 636-541-4861.