Cats Chef
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In Portland, Oregon, a tiny tortoiseshell kitten named Cheeky faced a battle for her life that few thought she could win. Rescued as part of a litter called “The Brit Kits,” Cheeky arrived at her foster home alongside her two orange siblings, Moppet and Chippy.
At just two weeks old, all three kittens required round-the-clock care. Foster moms Laura and Cassidy, a mother-daughter duo passionate about helping vulnerable kittens, immediately began bottle-feeding the trio every few hours and treating their crusty eyes and flea-covered bodies. It was a labor of love that demanded patience, attention, and determination, but they welcomed the challenge wholeheartedly.
In the beginning, the kittens struggled to latch onto their bottles, a common difficulty for kittens so young and weak. Gradually, however, they learned, and the progress was steady. Within a few weeks, the kittens were growing stronger and more playful, running around their foster home and meowing to their hearts’ content. They seemed to be thriving under Laura and Cassidy’s care, until it became clear that Cheeky was not developing as her siblings were.
She was noticeably smaller, and her movements were unsteady. Concerned, her foster moms suspected something more serious and took her to the veterinarian for testing.
Cheeky’s Misfortune
The vet’s diagnosis confirmed the fears of Laura and Cassidy: Cheeky had toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii. The illness had compromised her neurological system, making it difficult for her to walk or stand on her own.
Treatment required two different antibiotics administered twice daily over four weeks, and during that time, Cheeky remained very weak. Her foster moms worried that the disease could leave permanent damage, robbing her of her mobility or causing long-term neurological issues.
Cassidy, documenting her fears on Instagram, shared the emotional toll: “She’s so tiny, weighing only 266 grams at 5 weeks old. It would be so amazing if she is able to walk again and could rejoin her siblings. We miss her tortitude!”
Fortunately, Cheeky began to respond to her treatment. Slowly, with the love and encouragement of her foster family, she regained the ability to move and eventually rejoined her siblings in playful antics. The joy of seeing her crawl, stumble, and finally keep up with Moppet and Chippy was a milestone that brought tears of relief to her caregivers.
The bond between the siblings also proved invaluable; their presence helped motivate Cheeky to regain strength and coordination.
Even as her siblings grew quickly and prepared to meet their new adoptive families, Cheeky never felt abandoned. She had the company of Uncle Louie, a gentle Cocker Spaniel who adored kittens and offered her comfort and companionship during this critical period. This companionship, along with constant encouragement from Laura and Cassidy, helped Cheeky continue her recovery in an environment filled with love and security.
A Dream Come True
Eventually, the day came when Cheeky was ready to meet her forever family. Though her siblings, who had been adopted first, had already begun their new lives with loving homes in Portland, Cheeky’s turn brought its own joy. She joined a family that already had two older cats, Snowball and Kissy, and instantly adapted to her new surroundings.
The move to Washington marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life — a life free from illness, full of playfulness, exploration, and affection.
Cheeky’s journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of foster care and the tireless efforts of those who dedicate their lives to helping vulnerable animals. The dedication of Laura and Cassidy ensured that Cheeky not only survived her illness but thrived in a loving environment that nurtured her every step of the way.
The story of this tiny Oregon kitten is a testament to resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of love. What started as a perilous fight against a dangerous parasitic disease ended in triumph, as Cheeky found her happy ending and finally became the cherished, healthy feline she was always meant to be.
Her tale continues to inspire animal lovers everywhere, demonstrating that with proper care, patience, and support, even the most fragile lives can overcome adversity and find joy. Cheeky’s story isn’t just about surviving toxoplasmosis; it’s about the unwavering human kindness and feline determination that make happy endings possible.