Paralyzed Washington Kitten Stuns Everyone With Her Progress After Acupuncture

When Hannah Shaw, better known as Kitten Lady, agreed to foster a kitten in need, she never imagined she’d meet a paralyzed little fighter who would change her life forever.

That kitten’s name was Chloe, and her journey from abuse and paralysis to hope and healing will melt your heart.

How Chloe Came Into Hannah’s Life

It all began by chance. The Humane Rescue Alliance had contacted Hannah and her partner, Andrew, about a nine-day-old black kitten that needed fostering.

When they arrived, they met another kitten, a six-week-old orange tabby who couldn’t use her hind legs after suspected abuse.

poor little kitten — Credit: Kitten Lady

“We rescued a kitten with rear leg paralysis from suspected abuse. She is so sweet and so vulnerable; we absolutely could not say no to her.”

And just like that, Hannah left the shelter with not one but two tiny lives to save.

Finding Hope In Unlikely Treatments

poor paralyzed kitten — Credit: Kitten Lady

Chloe could only drag herself across the floor, but Hannah refused to give up. She cleaned the flea-covered kitten, began red-light laser therapy at home, and scheduled multiple vet visits to uncover the cause of her paralysis.

X-rays at the Nova Cat Clinic revealed damage to Chloe’s lower spine and an over-filled bladder that nearly ruptured. The vets drained it and used laser therapy to help her muscles relax.

Next came a neurologist at the Hope Advanced Veterinary Center, who confirmed severe spinal trauma and warned that Chloe would likely never walk or regain bladder control.

The prognosis was devastating, but Hannah wasn’t ready to surrender to it.

A Miracle Through Acupuncture

kitten gets medicine at the vet — Credit: Kitten Lady

Refusing to lose faith, Hannah booked an appointment at City Paws Animal Hospital, where an acupuncture specialist used fine Korean hand needles on tiny acupoints across Chloe’s back.

Within seconds, Chloe twitched her legs and tail, something she had never done before.

The vet was astonished:

“Only about 10 percent of animals respond after one session – she responded during her first session! It can take up to six sessions to see any tiny little response, and your prognosis is better the sooner you respond and sort of with the intensity that you respond, So, I think she’s gonna do great. I think she’s gonna be a happy, healthy kitten, living a normal life.”

cat is having an ultrasound — Credit: Kitten Lady

Encouraged, they added electroacupuncture, gently sending a current between the needles. Gradually, Chloe began moving her legs more, and, to everyone’s delight, she started urinating on her own for the first time.

“With just one appointment we noticed a remarkable difference. Her legs and her tail were beginning to move just a little bit. I lined her bedroom with yoga mats to give her more grip and bit by bit we’re starting to see her mobility and her demeanor improve. She’s playful, she’s happy and she’s a total fighter. She is the definition of tiny but mighty. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.”

Living Life Her Own Way

scared kitten at the vet — Credit: Kitten Lady

Although Chloe never fully regained the use of her hind legs, she thrived. Hannah tried a custom-made wheelchair, but Chloe preferred scooting freely around the house.

“I always hoped that Chloe would be able to walk again. In fact, in the beginning, I was so determined that I wouldn’t take no for an answer. It’s like I thought her life would be harder if she couldn’t walk. Boy was I wrong! Even though Chloe doesn’t have use of her legs she does an incredible job of getting herself around. (…) She is totally fearless!”

Chloe played, climbed, and cuddled like any other kitten, winning hearts everywhere she went.

kitten is trying to get up — Credit: Kitten Lady

Eventually, she found her forever home with a loving family in San Francisco. Saying goodbye was bittersweet, but Hannah knew Chloe’s next chapter was just beginning.