An injured BC cat is doing what it can to make sure every foster kitten has a fighting chance once they leave the SPCA.
Last August, an orange kitten was brought to the Nanaimo SPCA as a stray after it was attacked by a dog. "Lemon" received severe injuries to his back legs and was paralyzed during the incident.
Veterinary tech assistant Amy Hunt adopted the new kitten, though she worried about his quality of life.
“We weren’t sure about his quality of life at the time," said Hunt. "It had been a while since they had a paralyzed kitten come into the branch so it was worrying on all fronts.”
Despite a number of obstacles, however, Lemon appeared to be happy.
“He was happy, purring, and eating.”
Almost every day for a month, Hunt was in contact with the SPCA to try and figure out what was best for the cat. According to Hunt, paralyzed cats don't always have the best outcomes.
"So it was awesome we were able to have some time with Lemon to see where it would go and have that really great evaluation. The BC SPCA was very supportive in trying different methods to help him.”
Following a strenuous rehab, Lemon regained some of his mobility. Within the last year, after numerous physio and acupuncture sessions, the cat had gained sensation and movement in its hind legs and tail.
"He was a little fighter," said Nanaimo branch manager Leon Davis. "we're really happy and proud of his progress."
"He has localized reflexes, which is great," said Hunt. "He moves around faster than most other cats since he scoots. He’s very strong.”
Since Lemon is stronger and happier than ever, he is paying it forward by helping two foster kittens who were recently taken into care. After taking a few days to warm up to "Leo" and "Oliver," Lemon has put the two under his paw.
“We call them his tangerines because they’re little orange kittens too... He decided that they were his babies.”
“It doesn’t matter where he is in the house, if he hears them meowing and they need to be fed, whatever he’s doing, he will stop and go to them. He will groom them, and do what he needs to do in order for them to calm down. He absolutely adores them.”
Hunt mentioned that Lemon is teaching the pair "how to cat," since the orphaned kittens wouldn't learn how without an experienced cat around.
"With orphaned kittens, they can be a bit wild. They don’t know how to groom, or how to do responsible playing. So he is teaching them how to do it.”
Though Hunt admitted Lemon would be sad when the two get adopted, she noted that Lemon would be around for future kittens down the line.
"I’m sure there are more kittens coming down the line... He has a great quality of life and he’s very happy."
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