A kind woman went to the shelter for a kitten and came home with a little guy who believes he can conquer the world.
Nikki, an animal rescuer and fosterer, came across a tiny kitten needing rescue at the municipal shelter and stepped in to help. “It was only after I offered that the shelter told me he had some kind of abnormality with his front legs,” Nikki shared with Love Meow.
At three weeks old, the kitten, Davie, had a hearty appetite and a penchant for good naps. Nikki welcomed him home and began feeding and caring for him around the clock.
Davie quickly settled into his cozy bassinet, complete with warm blankets and his constant companion, a faux mama plushie.
Despite having one bent paw, Davie was comfortable and spirted, moving around with great determination. He would cry at the sight of his foster mom at mealtime and demand cuddles once his belly was full.
“He’s such a sweet boy, and I can’t help but smother him with snuggles and kisses.”
Davie was born with a congenital abnormality in his front legs. “His right arm is bent like a chicken wing, but he still uses it with limited mobility.”
“Initially, I had x-rays taken at the vet, and they were sent to an orthopedic veterinarian. However, in time, it seems that his left leg strengthened, and he was able to put pressure on his paw instead of walking on that elbow.”
As Davie grew, he adapted remarkably, soon running, jumping, and climbing everything in sight. He quickly mastered the litter tray and reveled in playtime with his foster mom, chasing his wand toy with unbridled energy.
“Over the last several weeks, he has grown and is getting stronger, and his mobility is increasing.”
With daily exercise, good food, and plenty of TLC, Davie can now use his left front leg to support himself while batting at toys with his right paw. He never fails to impress with his ability to use his front legs in different ways.
“Nothing holds him back; he’s able to climb in and out of bed, play with toys, and get himself in and out of the litter box with no challenges. He has an incredibly sweet disposition.”
Nikki’s resident blind cat, Stella, often visits the foster room. Davie watches in awe as Stella skillfully catches every moving toy with perfect precision. “Stella is helping me supervise Davie for his late-night playtime.”
Davie has a ravenous appetite and begs for more food even though he ate less than an hour ago.
“He absolutely loved his bottle, and it took him a while to be weaned. Now, he can eat wet food from a bowl, which means I get more sleep at night, not having to bottle-feed him.”
“He loves to play with toys. His favorite ones are the little plastic springs and fishing pole type toys.”
Since Davie is thriving, experiences no discomfort, and only gets stronger as he grows, Nikki and the medical team agree surgery is not necessary.
Davie has been honing his climbing skills, especially when Nikki sits at the computer, trying to work. He scales her leg in an attempt to get her to play or to reach her lap for cuddles. Although he can’t climb as high as other kittens his age, he’s determined to try.
Two days ago, Davie was given free rein of the house. Thrilled, he scampered around, exploring every nook and cranny. “He’s a big kid now.”
He’s overjoyed to have a loving foster mom catering to his every whim, Stella the blind cat keeping him entertained with whatever she does, boundless food each day, and a cozy bed to curl up in.
Just a few weeks ago, Davie was at the shelter, his fate uncertain. With a foster home, his life has been forever changed, and a bright future awaits him.
