Portland Foster Woman Takes In Kittens With A Highly Contagious Disease, Then A Miracle Happens

It’s no secret that even the saddest stories can sometimes lead to the brightest endings. With just a spark of hope, joy has a way of appearing in the most unexpected moments, turning sorrow into something far more uplifting.

The story you’re about to read may do just that, so keep some tissues nearby as we begin.

A few years ago, tragedy struck a devoted foster home in Portland, Oregon. Jessica Thompson, a kind-hearted foster mom and talented veterinarian, suddenly found herself facing multiple cases of one of the most dangerous feline viruses known.

Let’s see how she handled everything.

Nutmeg The Fearless

The virus Jessica was dealing with is feline parvovirus, which causes the highly contagious and often deadly disease feline panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper. 

This illness is especially dangerous for kittens, as it attacks rapidly dividing cells in the bone marrow, intestines, and lymphoid tissues.

One of Jessica’s earliest cases involved a litter of four kittens – Acorn, Maple, Raven, and Nutmeg.

Their mother, Autumn, had been battling a calicivirus infection but sadly didn’t survive, leaving her fragile kittens behind.

Although they were in poor shape, Jessica tested them for panleukopenia, and the results surprisingly came back negative. 

Just a few days later, Jessica saw a troubling change as all four kittens began to lose weight and grow weaker.

This time, little Acorn tested positive for parvovirus and was also found to have pneumonia.

Sadly, the illnesses proved too overwhelming for his tiny body, and he passed over the Rainbow Bridge, leaving Jessica heartbroken.

The other three kittens survived the night, but two of them, Maple and Raven, sadly passed away the following day.

On her Instagram page, Jessica shared that there were numerous record cases of feline panleukopenia that year in Portland, Oregon. She said: 

“Oregon Humane Society and many other rescues all over Oregon keep having panleukopenia cases. It’s terrible this year. It’s in the strays and unfortunately, I brought it into my home again when I was trying to help, luckily it’s much more contained.”

Against all odds, tiny Nutmeg showed an incredible will to survive.

She spent several days in isolation, slowly gaining strength until she was finally well enough to rejoin the other cats in the house.

Now fully recovered, she radiates joy – just picture her happily swaying along to Taylor Swift. Her lively spirit is impossible not to love!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CWbZDSdAYVx

Brando The Brave

Brando was another little one who faced the harsh reality of panleukopenia. After losing his brother to the disease, he showed remarkable resilience, much like his friend Nutmeg.

Jessica kept her Instagram followers updated on his journey, sharing that he was being cared for at the ER.

Though his condition was critical, everyone held onto hope and tried to stay optimistic for his recovery.

With the help of her generous supporters, Jessica was able to raise the funds needed to cover Brando’s ER care.

Thankfully, his condition improved dramatically within just a few days, and before long he was healthy enough to return home.

Jessica shared on her Instagram:

“Brando update! He’s getting discharged from the ER tomorrow! He’s eating on his own, poop is firming up and his white blood cell count is higher.”

Purr Fighters Against All Odds

Nutmeg and Brando both endured a tough journey that only seemed to make them stronger.

Alongside their friend Toast, another brave survivor, they managed to overcome panleukopenia and embrace a happy, healthy life.

And as a cherry on top, these two adorable fluffs both managed to find their forever homes! Evelyn, another great foster mom, shared on her Instagram account: 

“Nutmeg and Brando are both getting adopted by families well known to @theswiftiekittens (one a repeat adopter) and will be pampered and cherished and will continue having the best vet ever!”

Brando soon found his forever home with a kind married couple who welcomed him with open arms. They renamed him Koda and gave him a life filled with warmth, love, and endless cuddles.

Nutmeg found her forever home with a kind-hearted cat lover who renamed her Myra and welcomed her into a household already filled with feline companionship.

Nutmeg and Brando’s journey, now as Myra and Koda, reminds us of an important truth: never lose hope.

Hope has the strength to turn even the darkest moments into stories with brighter, happier endings.