A kitten with three paws won over the heart of a vet who helped turn his life around.
A 2-week-old kitten was rescued from a hoarding situation when he was found trapped in a boxspring at a cramped apartment in Manhattan. The pint-sized Burmese lost one of his paws and was rushed to the Veterinary Emergency Group for immediate medical attention.
"He was surrendered to the Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) who contacted us for help and we were happy to oblige," Little Wanderers NYC, a cat rescue in New York City and a rescue partner of VEG, shared with Love Meow.
The kitten, Etienne, was in desperate need of round-the-clock intensive care. Camille Duvieusart BVMS, an Emergency Doctor at VEG, stepped up to foster him, so the kitten could receive the best care while they prepared him for surgery.
The little ball of fur was determined and worked his hardest to grow big and strong. His foster mom catered to his every need and the resident dog also came to offer some assistance. Despite his size and age, it became clear that the risk of infection was too great, and surgery was needed sooner than they expected.
"The surgeons at the Animal Medical Center thought it was too much of a risk to wait, so he was operated on when he weighed very little. It was a successful surgery."
The little fighter perked up after the life-saving procedure, and overcame one obstacle after another. He went home with Dr. Duvieusart and quickly crept his way into her heart.
It didn't take for him to get back on his paws, find his balance and adjust to walking with three legs. He even tried to keep up with his canine friend who was much larger in size.
Dr. Duvieusart nursed him back to health and showered him with love and cuddles. She knew from the start that Etienne had already found his forever home.
In just a few weeks, the kitten is back to his happy, rambunctious self, playing, running and doing things just like any other kitty. Having three legs doesn't slow him down a bit.
"Cats are extraordinary animals and there is a reason they are rumored to have nine lives. Their ability to mask and manage pain is incomprehensible," Little Wanderers NYC said.
"Etienne lost half his leg in a bad accident in a hoarder's home. Surely, he was on at least his fifth life with this injury. Thanks to the amazing team at the Animal Medical Center, he had a full leg amputation and is doing fantastic."
The little 3-legged wonder got a new lease on life, a loving forever home and a canine friend to roughhouse with.
He will never have to fight for space, food or his own safety. Now, he can scamper around his home like he owns it, and asks for cuddles and attention on demand.
"This gorgeous kitten survived the injury, survived the full leg amputation and runs faster than a speeding bullet," Little Wanderer NYC shared.
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Watch the kitten play in this cute video:
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