Size
(when grown) -
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
Needs special attention,
Story
On September 4th the skies were pouring when I got the call about kittens in Azle who needed help urgently. My cat partner in crime and I pulled on our rain gear and carriers in hopes of rescuing these little ones, but we were doubtful of our success in such a storm. The woman we met there had been feeding a rag tag group of ferals and strays in her neighborhood for a while and on that day thought she caught a glimpse of 2 fluff ball tabby babies. We began our search and quickly found 2 rain-drenched kittens hovering in a water trough that had formed from the rain running off the roof. Upon our approach, they hissed and ran under a bush. We set a trap partially protected with umbrellas and loaded with stinky wet food and prayed. It was our only shot. Luckily, it worked and 15 minutes later they were captured. They were wild as the breeze and not at all happy to be contained but they were safe and soon riding home in the warm car.
At home I was finally able to touch these fierce darlings. They were muddy, matted, soaked through and so skinny. They got a flea bath, naturally protesting the whole time, and the bath water ran red from all the flea bites. But the worst was yet to be revealed—their eyes were swollen, matted, and completely shut from infection, leaving them essentially blind. Their noses were crusty with drainage and it’s a miracle they could smell the food that lead them to the trap. The next few weeks were rough going with frequent vet trips, lots of eye drops, sub-q fluids, breathing treatments and antibiotics. They were afraid of me, and I was afraid I would lose them to this illness. They fought every attempt at treatment-- scratching, biting, and hissing.
Then slowly, gradually I noticed some changes in their behavior and one wonderful day they did not bolt away from me when I approached their kennel. It was the first time I had hope that I wouldn’t lose them and the first time they realized I wasn’t so scary after all. They were starting to eagerly eat and would perk up their ears when they heard my voice. I am so proud of them for fighting and being so brave. I named the girl Robin and her brother is named Cline. These kittens are a bonded pair and must be adopted together.
Born August 1, 2024
Today they are regular kittens in almost every way. They are curious, funny, playful and loving but they are permanently visually impaired. The scarring on their eyes is very apparent. The vet feels they do have some sight but it will never been clear. It’s true that eyes are the window to the soul and I’m hoping someone will look into those eyes and see the beautiful souls behind the scars. These loves have overcome incredible odds, not the least of which was learning to love and trust. As I write they are curled up on the bed beside me and my dogs in sweet slumber.
Robin was the smaller of the two at first and probably the most fierce because her eye infection was the worst. Today, she is large and in charge! She feels like an armful of fluid fluffiness when you scoop her up. She is show-stopper gorgeous and she knows it. She is good with dogs, other cats, and children who are familiar with cats.
If you are interested in meeting us, please contact my rescue family at MeowtownAR@gmail.com to arrange a visit with my foster home!
