Pint-sized Kitten Blossoms into Beautiful Cat and Finds Dream Home
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A pint-sized kitten blossomed into a beautiful cat and found a family of his dreams.
Dannielle at Central Florida Foster Kittens
A tiny kitten came to Central Florida Foster Kittens at the end of last year for specialized care. The tuxedo was nine weeks old but only the size of a 2.5-3 week-old. Dannielle, a foster volunteer who works with animal rescues in the area, took him into her care.
"He's missing a tail (Manx syndrome), has the most adorably weird peach fuzz fur, ears that are twice the size of the rest of him, and is about 1/4 of the size of all his siblings," Dannielle wrote.
The kitten named Ceb showed stunted growth and had health issues that had kept him underdeveloped for quite some time. He was extraordinarily small for his age and could fit inside a regular coffee mug. For the first two weeks in foster care, Ceb had trouble growing as his little body couldn't absorb nutrients from food.
Dannielle at Central Florida Foster Kittens
While he was put on supplements and medication, Dannielle continued to find the perfect, high-quality food that would work with his tummy. "There are so many unknowns with this sweet and loving boy, and my first concern is getting him healthy and into adulthood," Dannielle added.
Through tests, they were able to identify a severe GI infection that could explain a host of his health issues. "He isn't absorbing any of the nutrients from his food, because his little body is just so overloaded."
Dannielle at Central Florida Foster Kittens
Despite it all, the tuxedo boy continued to live each day to the fullest. "He likes nothing more than to snuggle up on your shoulder or in your hand. He's particularly fond of purring to the point he rolls himself over from the vibrations -- which is hilariously adorable to see."
Dannielle at Central Florida Foster Kittens
After 36 days, different medications, supplements, food changes and team work from the rescue community, the little fighter finally made it to the one pound club.
"If this has taught me anything, it's that it truly does take a village," Dannielle said.
Dannielle at Central Florida Foster Kittens
The kitten won the heart of everyone he came across including the resident kitties. Rae the ginger cat was never a fan of fosters, but when he met Ceb, something about this little tux seemed different.
Rae who is not a snuggler nor will he tolerate other kittens, didn't mind the little guy when he nuzzled next to him and decided to be his nap buddy. "My heart grew 10 sizes that day," Dannielle wrote.
Dannielle at Central Florida Foster Kittens
With an ultrasound, they were able to pinpoint the cause of his GI issues. The kitten's poor absorption is due to chronic inflammation, which made it difficult for him to gain weight. With a specific diet to help him heal, things began to look up.
His weight started to climb, his coat became shinier and his energy level soared. "It makes me so happy to see him thriving and getting to be a 'normal' kitty after so many months."
Dannielle at Central Florida Foster Kittens
At five months old, the little warrior kitty officially crossed the 3.25-pound mark.
"Not only has his GI issues greatly improved, but his coat has finally lost its 'peach fuzz' look and turned into a gorgeously sleek coat. His claws are growing at a fast rate, and the amount of energy he has in comparison is like night and day!"
Dannielle at Central Florida Foster Kittens
The kitty has grown by leaps and bounds, but some things will never change. He needs to cling to Dannielle and follow her everywhere around the house like a little shadow.
"Ceb has been with me since just after Thanksgiving. We've had more ups and downs than a Busch Gardens rollercoaster, but we've made it out the other side. He has transformed from a tiny, emaciated, big-eared kitten into a sleek-coat chonk of love."
Dannielle at Central Florida Foster Kittens
The tuxedo boy is obsessed with 'helping' Dannielle with work daily. Whenever she gets on the computer, the kitty hops onto her lap or snuggles into her arms to offer a paw.
"I've had to set up a bed right next to my MacBook to try and convince him to lay there instead. Currently... unsuccessful."
Dannielle at Central Florida Foster Kittens
After eight months of fighting for little Ceb, he flourished into a beautiful young cat. He grew very attached to his foster mom, and the feeling was reciprocated.
When it came time to consider adoption, Dannielle knew her little pride-and-joy had found his forever home right there with her.
Dannielle at Central Florida Foster Kittens
"This tiny, tailless, loving, tuxie boy has been wiggling and purring his way in to my heart. He's caused me tears, laughter, and countless hours of lost sleep," Dannielle wrote.
"There were so many days when I questioned my ability to save him, but time and time again his drive and fight came through to show the way."
Dannielle at Central Florida Foster Kittens
"As the prospect of saying goodbye became closer and closer, I knew in my heart that I just couldn't," Dannielle added. "This little dude brings my heart so much joy, and is such a great reminder of what never giving up can lead to."
Dannielle at Central Florida Foster Kittens
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