Nothing Can Stop This Partially Paralyzed Micro Kitten From Enjoying Life

Working as a vet tech, Alex Guida is never sure what to anticipate. Her days are spent assisting the animals who come into Sunshine Animal Hospital in Florida. Her nights are spent with her own cats and cats she fosters via a local rescue group. A litter of stray kittens was dropped off at the hospital on April 17th. One of the young kittens, who was just three weeks old, was in bad health. Her rear legs were absolutely dead and limp, yet she refused to die. Alex and the tiny cat would embark on an incredible journey over the following few months. It would have unthinkable consequences for both of them.

The young kid was severely underweight and anemic with fleas. She was literally being drained of her life force due to the insect bites causing so much blood loss. Her miserable living on the streets had left her skinny and dehydrated. Her lower spine and legs muscles were atrophied, and both of her hind legs were entirely limp.

Her temperature was so low that the thermometer didn’t even record it.

Alex pleaded with her veterinary supervisor to allow her to attempt to save the cat. They promised to let her repair the cat if possible, never wanting to give up on a life. To preserve her quality of life, the kitten needed to be able to defecate on her own. She was able to defecate, but they still had to express her bladder three to four times a day. Many special needs cats require this, and it’s not anything that would jeopardize her life.

Alex gave her the name Violet and took her in as a foster kitty. Alex’s Instagram feed, @professionalcatfoster, allowed everyone to watch her growth. She also posted a plethora of lovely cat pics of her foster cats.

Violet had gained weight, her eyes and nose were cleared, and she was using her rear legs within a week.

Although her left leg does not hyperextend, it does sink beneath her. Her legs would flex but get trapped in places, so I began bandaging them to her torso, which has really aided her. Her legs are completely functional!

Weight loss is a critical concern for any newborn kitten. Things may change in an instant, and you must act quickly to protect these vulnerable people.

She had lost some weight overnight and was rapidly deteriorating to the point where we were worried she wouldn’t make it. We inserted a central line (jugular catheter) and administered IV fluids for the next 24 hours. She recovered and overcame “severe gastroenteritis,” as the radiologists described it.

Her main problems were diarrhea and gastroenteritis. To keep her backside clean, the unfortunate kitty ended up in the bathtub on a daily basis. But it was something that would come in handy in the months ahead.

More than $1000 was raised through social media to assist cover her first vet fees. Violet’s life was saved because to Violet’s kindness.

Violet’s issue has been discussed with a number of veterinarians, and her current state is unclear. She may be able to heal and walk again because she is so young. However, there’s a good chance she’ll stay a special needs cat, and her adopter should be informed of this.

This is my first experience caring for a special needs cat, and I never imagined myself doing so. Violet has entirely changed my mind about that, and if I weren’t leaving the country in three months for vet school, I would keep her in a heartbeat.

Violet is well worth the work, and once we settled into a pattern, it was simple to care for her, even with a full-time job and seven other foster children (plus my own animals). She is completely oblivious to the fact that she is different from the other kittens as she plays with them. She is quite loving and would sleep for hours in my lap. She’s a wonderful little kitty.

Violet had recovered sufficiently by June to begin physical therapy on her paralyzed legs.
At 9 weeks old, the micro kitten weighed slightly over a pound. They tried to rectify whatever they could throughout her development in order to avert problems later.

Her treatment began with an acupuncture session. Alex was adamant about learning everything she could about assisting Violet via traditional Chinese therapy. Even though the kitten didn’t appear to be in any discomfort from her legs, it was worth it if it helped ease any agony.

We began acupuncture today. She sat in my arms the entire time, needles in her hands. Based on the neuro test she completed today, our acupuncturist doctor believes her lesion is restricted to L4/L5. I’m going to figure out where to put the needles so we can do this once a week and really give it a chance!

Her foster mother now gives her acupuncture twice a week. She’s also doing physical therapy. Violet, a tiny micro cat, is practicing “sling-walking” in this charming video.

Violet’s progress on her stroll! Her legs are starting to get the hang of the motions, but she’s still scooting when she needs to go somewhere quickly. She’s obviously been missing leg day.

And if that wasn’t enough to warm your heart, her acceptance of water led to the development of a new type of therapy–hydrotherapy!
Alex recognized water didn’t disturb this kitty because of all the washes she required as a kitten and her peaceful disposition.

Splashing in puddles appears to be a favorite pastime of hers!

Violet, high on catnip, in the rain. Yes, she enjoys splashing about in the catio’s rain water. Yes, she did have a bath after that.

So, when her formerly paralyzed legs began to strengthen, hydrotherapy was the next logical step…no pun intended.

And while Violet made her way into a new life, Alex discovered something equally incredible.
She posted a special update on the tiny kitten on July 1st.

Today’s hydrotherapy is accompanied with a public service announcement! Are you guys all set? So, Violet is officially a foster fail, after much thought and the consent of her co-owner.

Violet was brought into the hospital where I work when she was three weeks old, practically dead and crippled in her rear limbs. I’ve had her for almost three months now, and she continues to improve on her road to walk again, despite many ups and downs, blood, sweat, tears, and money. Violet needs bladder expression on a regular basis as well as a wash every now and then. When you have a special needs feline, some days aren’t nice, but I’ve never felt a relationship like I do with her.

Everyone seemed to know I was going to keep her, and I believe I did as well, but today I made the formal decision that she’s already at home! <3 Thank you to everyone who has sent us well wishes and prayers along the way. [caption id="attachment_26610" align="alignnone" width="700"] Credit: Alex Guida[/caption]

Violet and Alex, congratulations on your new happy life together! We can’t wait to see all of Violet’s cavity-inducing lovely images when she gets older. Even if she doesn’t become any bigger, we’re confident that our hearts will expand as we watch her adventure! Also, don’t forget to follow Alex on Instagram!