Pennsylvania Kitten Found Barely Bigger Than A Soda Can Has A Lifelong Surprise For His Rescuer
When a rescuer scooped up a fragile, flea-covered kitten, she thought he might not survive the night. But this tiny fighter had a big personality and a surprising medical diagnosis.
A Desperate Discovery
The tiny kitten was found out on the street near a known feral cat colony. However, it was immediately clear that he wasn’t safe fending for himself among the older cats.
He was huddled off to the side in incredibly rough shape. He was starving, covered in fleas, and so small that his rescuer paused, fearing she might already be too late.
Despite his fragile state, the little kitten was still fighting to survive. Without hesitation, his rescuer scooped him up and rushed him indoors to begin the long process of saving his life.
A Rollercoaster Of Vet Visits
The first step was getting the kitten, later named Kermit, as clean as possible before rushing him to the veterinarian. That initial visit was just the beginning of a long medical journey.
It felt like every test came back with a new hurdle to overcome. Kermit battled worms, parasites, and lingering infections that kept his rescuer on edge.
The veterinary team ran ultrasounds, blood work, and X-rays to ensure there wasn’t something even more dangerous hiding beneath the surface. They kept going back, determined to figure out why the tiny kitten was struggling so much.
An Unexpected Diagnosis
Eventually, the relentless testing provided an answer to Kermit’s unusually small stature. He wasn’t just tiny because of his rough start on the streets.
The veterinarian revealed that Kermit was a dwarf cat. His miniature size was a permanent genetic trait, meaning he was always going to stay incredibly small.
When he was first rescued, Kermit weighed a mere eight ounces. By the time he reached six months old, he had barely made it to one pound.
The Sweetest Patient
Today, Kermit weighs about 2.2 pounds, which is likely as big as he will ever get. Despite his delicate appearance, he never once acted fragile.
He spent the majority of his kittenhood taking various medications, yet he never put up a fight. There was no scratching or biting; it was almost as if he understood that his rescuer was trying to help him.
Their bond grew incredibly strong during those quiet moments of care. Whenever his rescuer brushed him, the tiny kitten would gently lick her fingers in return.
A Pint-Sized Personality
Kermit’s rescuer lovingly describes his fully-grown size as being roughly the dimensions of an iPad mini. His unique appearance constantly turns heads.
Strangers frequently stop to ask if he is a young kitten. This always leads to his rescuer sharing the incredible story of his survival and dwarfism.
But what Kermit lacks in size, he more than makes up for in personality. He is known for having incredibly specific preferences, including a surprising adoration for men with beards.
The Ultimate Rivalry
Kermit’s big personality also comes with a bit of a jealous streak. His rescuer’s six-month-old nephew occasionally comes over to visit, much to the cat’s dismay.
If the baby receives any attention, Kermit will completely ignore his rescuer for the rest of the day. He acts as though he is entirely done with the situation.
If called, Kermit will chirp in annoyance and walk in the opposite direction. In his tiny mind, the baby is his ultimate rival for affection.
Adapting To A Big World
Because of his dwarfism, Kermit has had to adapt to a world built for much larger cats. While he can run and play normally, jumping is out of the question.
To help him navigate his home, his rescuer set up little ramps for him to use. When ramps aren’t available, Kermit impressively climbs up surfaces like Spider-Man.
He also manages a lifelong condition called feline herpes virus, which he picked up back in the feral colony. When he gets stressed, his eyes get a little goopy, but a few drops quickly clear it up.
A Bond Beyond Measure
After everything Kermit has been through, from endless vet visits to the uncertainty of his early days, he has found his perfect safe haven. He is completely attached to his rescuer.
Every single day, his rescuer looks forward to coming home just to see him. And every single time, Kermit is waiting right at the door to greet her.
Kermit’s journey is a beautiful reminder not to overlook the fragile, imperfect animals waiting in shelters. Taking a chance on a pet that needs a little extra care might just change your life forever.
