After helping a kitten that had been left on the road and was unable to walk, they were amazed to see the cat get back up and start running.
Tails High, a volunteer-run rescue, received a flood of requests for assistance on a day when storms were predicted. One kitten in particular had an unforgettable face.
On the road, a diluted calico had been discovered abandoned. She dragged herself across the sidewalk in pursuit of safety due to injuries to her legs. She was picked up and given assistance by a Good Samaritan. Tails High said, “We saw butterflies in the wildflowers along the highway as we rushed her to the ER. They were delicate, tiny, and hopeful, fluttering by as if to say everything might be okay.” Thus, we gave her the name Flutterby.
Tiny Kitten Found Outside Refuses to Give Up, Thriving With Help From People and Other Cats
Flutterby had broken legs and a serious eye infection, but his spirit never wavered. Her left back leg was thought to require amputation once she reached a safe weight, while her right back leg was splinted to allow it to heal.
However, the stubborn kitten appeared to have other ideas.
Flutterby’s eyes cleared up and her appetite returned with gusto after receiving round-the-clock care and an abundance of love. She blossomed into a complete love bug, absorbing all the affection and blending in with her people.
“Flutterby purred, made biscuits, and leaned in for pets with a full belly, her medications on board, and thunderstorms roaring outside.”
She was free of splints after a few weeks in foster care, and subsequent X-rays showed promising healing in both hind legs. “We are always in awe of her tenacity. She defied expectations by bearing weight on her displaced femur and walking comfortably, despite our doubts that it would heal.”
Joyful and inquisitive, Flutterby proved to everyone that she was unstoppable.
Before long, she was standing again, bouncing around the room and batting at toys. She moved with a renewed sense of self-assurance, as though she owned the space.
It was unbelievable that she had been unable to use her back legs so recently. She now enthusiastically embraced life and chased toys. “We were determined to give her the best opportunity for a fulfilling life. She demonstrated her strength to us every single day.
Curious and playful, kitten Tails High “She needed time to heal her wings, just like a delicate butterfly.” Now, she’s finally ready to fly, with both legs fully healed,” the rescue shared. “We were so excited to review her X-rays and see the wonder of what kittens’ bodies can do.”
Flutterby rose onto her tippy-toes at the window, watching birds and neighbors while basking in the warm sunlight.
With expert veterinary care, proper rest, and perseverance, Flutterby returned to her playful self, doing everything just like any other kitten.
As adoption time approached, the rescue hoped Flutterby would find a forever home alongside Sea Glass, a one-eyed tortie she had bonded with in foster care.
“They’ve become best friends, and are the cutest, silliest, most loving duo.”
Then the perfect family came along and made their wish come true, welcoming both kitties into their home. When Tails High received an update showing the two curled up in each other’s arms, their hearts were full.
Today, Flutterby is living the dream life she always wanted, thanks to the kind stranger who stopped to save her and the dedicated volunteers who helped her thrive.
Though her journey was filled with challenges, her resilience was nothing short of amazing.
