A street kitten turned out to be much older than expected. Once she was held, she began to thrive into the happiest cat.
Rosie aka DaisyNikki @myfosterkittens
A tiny kitten was brought to a municipal shelter after being found outside, barely clinging to life.
Nikki, an experienced animal rescuer and fosterer, rushed to the shelter, knowing the kitten desperately needed help. "She was starving on the streets, suffering from malnutrition and a terrible upper respiratory infection," Nikki told Love Meow.
The kitten, named Rosie, slowly lifted her head at the sound of Nikki's voice, using what little strength she had. The paperwork described her as "depressed" in her kennel.
Nikki @myfosterkittens
Rosie was frail and had to be syringe-fed around the clock. As she continued to battle the respiratory infection, she needed help keeping her nose and face clean. Weighing just 1.6 pounds, she was severely underweight.
While feeding Rosie, Nikki was surprised to discover her double fangs. Rosie was much older than she'd expected, closer to five months old, and should have been at least twice her size.
Nikki @myfosterkittens
Determined to give her a fighting chance, Nikki started feeding Rosie small meals every few hours so as not to overwhelm her fragile body. She kept her warm, hydrated her with fluids, and showered her with constant affection.
"I knew she was going to be okay when I saw her eating and growing."
Nikki @myfosterkittens
As her energy returned, so did her appetite. Rosie began eating on her own, happily tippy-tapping at mealtime. Nikki brought her to work at Hearts Alive Village so she could continue receiving care. Before long, the room was filled with Rosie's joyful purrs.
Rosie enjoyed her playpen in her foster home, but nothing compared to being cuddled. The moment she was in Nikki's arms, her purr motor roared to life. "She really thrived once she was held and felt the warmth and love I gave her."
Nikki @myfosterkittens
During a vet visit to have an abscess removed, Rosie remained calm and trusting, as if she knew she was being helped. "She actually fell asleep and made biscuits with her paws the whole time. She's a total love bug, and she got a treat afterwards."
Once healed, her playful spirit fully emerged. She rolled around on her cat tree and batted at toys with enthusiasm.
Nikki @myfosterkittens
In two weeks, Rosie nearly doubled in size and tripled the energy. She met the resident dog, Bradley, and immediately rubbed against her, leaning in for snuggles.
She also visited the Cat Cafe at Hearts Alive Village, where she met a resident cat named Harrison. After a few initial hisses, Rosie quickly warmed up to him, welcoming his affection and companionship.
Nikki @myfosterkittens
Rosie soaked up love everywhere she went. At the cafe, she was serenaded by a pianist and adored every second of it. She curled into a perfect loaf and drifted off to sleep as the music filled the room. "She has the sweetest personality and really loves people."
The days of struggling on the streets were long gone. Rosie hadn't just survived; she thrived.
Nikki @myfosterkittens
"She's come such a long way in foster care. She's so sweet and healthy. Her fur is super soft."
When Rosie was ready for her next chapter, it didn't take long for the perfect family to find her. She melted into her new mom's arms, purring loudly. Before heading to her forever home, she shared one last cuddle with Nikki, as if to say thank you.
Nikki @myfosterkittens
"Little Rosie, now renamed Daisy, is in the arms of her new mama. She is already settling in beautifully and will soon meet her kitty brother, Gatsby. He has a temperament very similar to hers," Nikki shared.
"I'm so happy for this precious girl. She deserves all the love and care she is being showered with."
Nikki @myfosterkittens
Share this story with your friends. More on Nikki's fosters on Instagram @myfosterkittens and Facebook, and Hearts Alive Village @heartsaliveanimalrescue.
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