A kitten adores her cuddle lamb and insists on carrying it with her wherever she goes.
Earlier this year, Wrenn Rescues (in California) took in a litter of kittens in need of medical attention. The runt of the litter, Matilda Beans, was very frail and struggling with an upper respiratory infection.
"Everyone else improved, but she only got sicker until it got to a really critical point. I have ICU equipment at my house, so it was decided that she should come to my house to get through her sickness," Ashley Kelley, a fosterer who specializes in neonatal and special needs kittens, told Love Meow.
As it turned out, the tabby was battling a host of health issues including a severe case of pneumonia. Despite the grim prognosis from the vets, the kitten held on with all her might, and Ashley knew she had to give her a fighting chance.
Over the next several weeks, Ashley worked tirelessly to provide oxygen and nebulizer treatments, medications and supportive care. Matilda was so grateful for the help that she would roll on her back every time for some belly rubs.
"She was very strong-willed and wanted to live, so she did," Ashley shared with Love Meow. "We were told she may not see, but her (corneal) ulcers cleared up completely and she sees just fine. She amazes me!"
Matilda had to be isolated and spend a lot of time in an incubator during her recovery. After noticing how lonely she was, Ashley placed snuggle toys around her to provide a constant source of comfort, but Matilda quickly found her favorite.
"I gave her Lamby Beans (a snuggle lamb toy) to be her friend when she was about three weeks old, and she loved it immediately. She slept cuddled up to it, always," Ashley told Love Meow.
As Matilda grew, she continued to seek comfort and company from her trusty lamb and even obsessively lick it, as if it was her baby.
Despite having been washed a few times, Lamby Beans remains the most intimate friend to Matilda. The sweet kitten will wrap her arms around her lamb and groom it until she falls fast asleep with the toy tucked securely in her arms.
Matilda shared every milestone with her plush friend. Even once she was healthy enough to move into a playpen and meet other fosters, she insisted on keeping Lamby Beans within eyeshot. "She just loves her baby."
The tabby girl has blossomed into a little spitfire and is constantly on the lookout for trouble.
"She is always running at someone to tackle them, dramatically throwing her litter out of her box, loudly voicing her displeasure when I can't let her out of her (very spacious, full of toys) playpen," Ashley shared with Love Meow.
"She is very feisty and playful, but will pause her playtime to come cuddle up and lick my nose in an aggressively affectionate way. She is always moving, playing and wrestling her kitten friends. She went through an ankle-attacking phase — pure spice!"
When it is time to recharge, Matilda will seek out Lamby Beans for some intense snuggles.
The spicy tabby has reached the two-pound mark, and is well on her way to a great future ahead of her.
"She has a big slice of my heart and she's got the most incredible personality and resilience," Ashley wrote.
"She is very brave and curious, not afraid of my dogs or big cats or loud noises. She's been such a perfect friend to Attis and Odahviing (both special needs kittens), keeping them on their toes."
After weeks in foster care, Matilda Beans still loves her trusty Lamby and keeps it with her everywhere she goes.
She's no longer that pint-sized kitten and has grown into a beautiful, healthy, playful young cat.
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