When Lucy, a mere 5-week-old kitten, was brought into foster care alongside her two brothers, she weighed a mere 128 grams.
“To put it into perspective, some newborns or one-week-olds weigh the same amount, so it was evident she was severely underdeveloped,” shared Jamie, a foster volunteer with Baby Kitten Rescue.
Lucy immediately began treatment for aspiration pneumonia to alleviate her breathing. The compassionate team at Baby Kitten Rescue was determined to uncover the reason behind her stunted growth.
Despite her petite stature, Lucy displayed an insatiable appetite and an indomitable will to thrive.
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Her brothers, Brian and Patrick, were of the same age but towered over her. Yet, they displayed gentle camaraderie, looking out for their smaller sibling as they navigated their new surroundings.
After the initial night, Lucy perked up, displaying a newfound energy as she moved around her nest, preparing herself for the next meal.
Jamie diligently syringe-fed Lucy every three hours, while her brothers independently dined from a dish. Within a few days, Lucy discovered her purr and revealed her playful side.
She engaged with a fuzzy ball almost as big as her head, exhibiting strength and sass akin to a lion cub.
“She’s proving to be not only a fierce fighter but also a survivor. Lucy is energetic, loves cuddles and purring, and, above all, relishes her food. Despite her fragility, I witness improvements in her condition every day.”
In the presence of her brothers, Lucy strutted about as though she were the tallest cat in the room. She observed their playful antics and attempted to mimic them with her tiny paw waves.
Though slower to wean, Lucy’s voracious appetite never waned. “She may learn things at a slower pace than her brothers, but that’s perfectly okay.”
As her breathing improved, Lucy graduated from oxygen support to eating from a dish. “I noticed her sneaking bites from her brothers’ food plates and learned to approach her meals with caution.”
Further examination revealed Lucy’s misaligned jaw and diagnosis of Flat Chested Kitten Syndrome, which affects the formation of the rib cage, resulting in a flattened chest plate.
To aid her breathing, Lucy wore a splint around her rib cage, gradually correcting its shape. “As Lucy continues to grow, the splint will help form a rounded, normal chest plate, making breathing easier for her.”
“We believe Lucy’s structural abnormalities may have hindered her nutrient intake, thus impeding her growth. She’s proving to be a little miracle with an unwavering zest for life.”
At 9.5 weeks old, Lucy officially joined the one-pound club, despite her brothers weighing 2.5 pounds each.
“When I first took Lucy in, I feared she might not make it, so reaching the one-pound milestone and seeing her thriving is a monumental achievement.”
Today, Lucy breathes effortlessly, no longer needing the splint. Her energy knows no bounds, and she can play without getting winded.
When her brothers found their forever home, Lucy was not left behind. The family immediately noticed her smaller stature and insisted on keeping all three siblings together.
While Lucy still has much growing to do before moving into her new home, she’s come a long way from her rescue at just 128 grams.
She flourishes under the devoted care she receives, melting the hearts of everyone she encounters. “We’ll go to great lengths to ensure she lives a joyful life.”
Keep up with all the news on Lucy and Jamie’s fosters by following them on Instagram, and don’t forget to check out Baby Kitten Rescue’s Instagram.
Hearing A Scream For Help They Find Her Lethargic, With Crusty Eyes, And Approach Without Hesitation!
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Without hesitation, the couple approached her!
She proved difficult for shelter staff to handle.
A team of volunteers swiftly mobilized to assist.
With newfound courage, they began to emit soothing purrs.
"They were a third of the size they should have been because they were so…
Another litter of kittens, orphaned and in need of care, was brought to safety.
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