A little kitten was so tiny and weak that her cat mother couldn't look after her.
Hannah Shaw, avid animal rescuer specialized in neonatal kittens, knew exactly what the little baby needed. She took the entire cat family into her care, so they could have a chance at a better life.
Meet Small Fry!
Small Fry was emaciated and just skin and bones. Her mother wouldn't pay attention to her likely due to the thought that the kitten wouldn't survive.
At three weeks old, Small Fry was only 170 grams (the size of a one-week old), and had severe respiratory symptoms. Hannah rescued the tiny runt along with her four litter mates and mama from the Humane Rescue Alliance in Washington D.C..
The teeny baby needed supplemental care and a lot of TLC that her mother wasn't able to provide.
"Small Fry was drastically smaller than her siblings…. She was really thin. I could feel her every rib," Hannah shares with Love Meow.
After a trip to the vet, the tiny runt was diagnosed with a list of ailments--URI, anemia, and heart murmur.
"X-rays showed that her lungs look better than anticipated but her belly is full of air from gasping. The vet gave SQ plasma, B12, iron, and 3 new meds," Hannah said.
Hannah began to tube feed the little furball around the clock and kept her warm and constantly hydrated. She gave her the nutrients that she desperately needed, and administrated medication to help her recover.
"Small Fry is the bravest little quarter pounder on the planet… Throughout all of this, she remains sweet and loving--tiny, but mighty," Hannah said.
In just two days, Small Fry's weight went up from 170g to 217g. She was bright eyed and alert and even started to interact with her feline family. "She is actively seeking affection and purring."
With a lot of hard work and love, this tiny bite sized baby has started to nurse on her mama.
"When a kitten is severely congested, it can prevent her from eating due to not being able to smell or latch," Hannah explained. "Meds are starting to kick in, and with tube feeding and SQ fluids, she finally has enough energy that she is showing interest in nursing."
Yam and Small Fry, adorable snuggly sisters!
"One week ago I honestly thought Small Fry was going to die. In just 7 days since I rescued her, her life has totally changed," Hannah said.
"She has nearly doubled in weight, she can breathe again, she can nurse again, and she's slowly starting to enjoy being a kitten."
Seven days later, Small Fry has turned around by love!
Now she's 305g! Way to go, Small Fry!
Share this story with your friends. Follow Small Fry and her furry family at Kitten Lady on Facebook and Instagram. If you would like to support their rescue efforts, click here to see how you can help.
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