A tiny kitten was determined to grow big and strong after she was brought back from the brink.
Heather, a foster volunteer for Norfolk Animal Care Center in Virginia, took home several neonatal kittens that needed critical care. Despite her very best efforts, Clove was the only one that pulled through.
The palm-sized kitten was battling a host of health issues but hanging on with all her might. "I promised Clove that I wouldn't give up on her if she didn't give up on me," Heather told Love Meow.
Heather continued to provide supportive care and around the clock syringe feedings. The kitten was very small for her age but displayed amazing resolve. She continued to eat to her heart's content despite all the odds stacked up against her.
"Slowly but surely, she gained a few grams each day until she finally weighed enough for the vet to feel comfortable giving her antibiotics. A few days into her 10-day course, she was starting to turn a corner," Heather added.
Through painstaking care, Clove's eyes cleared up and her tummy felt so much better. The little warrior kitty perked up and began to use her legs to move around.
She started to act like a kitten again with her new-found energy.
Clove graduated from the incubator to her upgraded kitten suite. For the first time in her life, she was so intrigued by her new surroundings and even attempted to explore and check out her new digs.
"Clove is a force to be reckoned with. This little one is going to be tough as nails when she's all grown up," Heather added. "Words cannot express how proud I am of this tiny warrior."
It took the kitten a little longer to get used to eating solid food. Once she figured out how to eat from a dish, she would plunge her face into it, not being afraid of getting food all over.
Clove may be a late bloomer, but she is determined to grow big and strong.
By seven weeks old, the kitten officially joined the one-pound club, reaching one milestone after another. Clove was still tiny but what she lacked in size, she surely made up for in personality.
As she continued to develop, her quirky, adorable nature began to emerge.
Clove didn't let her size define her and quickly discovered her inner-sass. She was not shy of showing her cattitude especially in front of people or big dogs.
Watch Clove in this cute video:
She is fearless and endearing. If she wants something, she won't take no for an answer.
Clove has turned into a sweet cuddle-bug and enjoys snuggle time with her humans. This tiny kitty has so much love to give.
"She is eight weeks old and one pound and 10 ounces. She's a little behind the curve."
"She loves to play with all three of my dogs. She is always down to snuggle up with me for a nice nap," Heather shared with Love Meow.
Clove curled up in her foster mom's arms and purred herself to sleep.
The mighty little kitty is getting more playful and rambunctious each day. She has perfected her pounce and continues to hone other important feline skills.
Once Clove reaches the 2-pound mark, she will embark on a new journey to her forever home.
She has gotten a cute, chonky belly to show off.
"She really is just so special, I couldn't be more proud of her," Heather told Love Meow.
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