Spring has sprung and lots of new kittens are springing up too! Kitten Season means Asheville Humane Society will soon be caring for many neonates in their first, fragile state of life. These young kittens require careful, around-the-clock care, and a lot of resources. Kittens born as strays are especially vulnerable to illness and injury.
Eye infections or eye damage in particular is very common in kittens that are brought to us. Without treatment, it can lead to cases as dire as Bulgaria’s.
This tiny kitten arrived with both his eyes in such rough shape that the only solution was to remove them entirely. Weighing only 1.3 lbs, surgery would be a little risky but necessary to save his life.
Luckily, Bulgaria’s surgery was a success! Animals as small and young as him cannot stay at the shelter post-op, but our network of foster families is always ready to save the day. Bulgaria spent time with several fosters, adjusting to life without sight, gaining weight, and growing strong.
His last foster found they couldn’t bear to part with this brave little eyeless kitten and adopted him! They named him Mirvin Habanero (because he needed two i’s and is spicy). Since his adoption he has fully adapted to a sightless life. His family said visitors often can’t tell he is blind from the way he plays and explores until he gets zoomies and bumps into the wall.
“He is a feisty, happy guy that lives life to the fullest and doesn’t let his disability slow him down one bit!”
It’s only with your help that we’re able to take on life-saving cases like Mirvin’s. Help us continue to make a difference, one little kitten at a time!
Bulgaria/Mirvin’s story was a part of our 2026 Kitten Shower campaign. You can read more stories from the campaign, among others, in our Stories tag! And of course, you can always be a part of the mission and donate to support stories like these.
