Here’s a cat who, before even reaching his first birthday, had been through nine lives of trouble.

Fiddlesticks was only three months old when he came to us as a stray. He had a major ear infection and a near constant sniffle. We treated him for an upper respiratory infection but he was only getting worse. 

We placed him with a loving foster who could shower him with love and keep a close eye on him. Even then, he wasn’t improving. Our vet examined his inner ears and discovered a nasal polyp, the culprit for his constant congestion. 

The weight of the polyp on his nasal cavity was not only making it difficult for him to breathe and affecting his ability to swallow, but was beginning to cause neurological issues as well. It was sapping his energy, keeping him from normal kitten antics and play.

Even though it would be a high risk procedure, the polyp had to be removed. With his airway blocked by the polyp it was difficult to safely intubate him. There was a scary moment in the surgery when he aspirated on some food that was in his stomach. But our diligent team was able to safely remove the massive polyp. 

But, remember, this kitten’s journey is far from over. While in recovery, Fiddlesticks contracted an eye infection, and then his ear infection returned in full force. Then, while his immune system was busy fighting two infections, he also got ringworm! 

He was on meds for his eyes, his ears and ringworm (including sulfur lime dip baths). Finally, with much love from our medical and foster team, he was on the up—except for his ears.

The infection was beginning to give him head tilt: while cute, it was not a good sign. Our vet took another look and, you guessed it, more polyps!

He went back into surgery to remove those last polyps. Luckily this time his recovery went smoothly—aside from him not wanting to adhere to strict bed rest! He finally felt like a normal kitten, rambunctious and adventurous. For the first time in months his eyes and ears were clear and he didn’t have matting on his cheeks from discharge. About a month later, he was adopted!

Fiddlesticks would never have made it through his first nasal polyp, let alone everything else, if it weren’t for the dedicated care from our staff and fosters. He never would have been able to grow up in his adopter’s home, or play like a normal kitten. 

We can only offer these second (and sometimes third, fourth or fifth) chances with your support. You help us provide medical treatment, surgeries, and months of foster care for every animal who needs it.