A kitten is so thrilled to be off the street and have a big family to care for her.
A palm-sized tabby was found outside as an orphan with one sibling who sadly didn't make it. The mother cat was nowhere to be seen, and the kitten was in need of rescue.
She was brought into the Humane Society of Otter Tail County, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, when she was a few days old. "It's unknown what happened to her momma, or any other littermates," Jenny, a foster volunteer of the shelter, told Love Meow.
The shelter director bottle fed the kitten for a few days until Jenny took over foster duties when the tabby was around 10 days old.
Jenny named her Fergie after the place she was found. The kitten weighed in at six ounces, had a good appetite and showed a strong will to live.
"I've fostered hundreds of newborn and neonatal kittens over the years, many of whom were in critical condition upon arrival, so it was a relief that Fergie seemed strong and healthy," Jenny shared with Love Meow.
Despite having some stomach issues, Fergie continued to eat to her heart's content and took her meds like a champ.
"Her weight gain started to slow down and I was monitoring her daily for signs of dehydration. But Fergie is a strong kitten and with the help of antibiotics, she worked through it."
In just a few weeks, Fergie has made great strides and is getting more active and curious. Jenny continues to provide top-notched care to ensure the kitten reaches the 8-week milestone with flying colors.
"I never stop worrying until my foster kittens reach about eight weeks old. But all signs are pointing to Fergie growing up to be a healthy and happy kitten," Jenny told Love Meow.
"Even though she has the biggest appetite of any kitten I've fostered in recent memory, she's still tiny enough to fit in my hand. She's super vocal and anytime she's awake, she's mewing for attention."
Fergie is making good gains and starting to explore her surroundings. The fearless tabby has also befriended several resident cats and dogs, and doesn't hold back when it comes to play time.
"My cats are starting to show interest in her and make friends. Gray (the cat) likes to play 'find the kitty' and bop her when she's snuggled under a blankie."
Fergie is strong-willed, independent, vivacious and as sweet as can be. "After she takes her bottle, she loves to be held to your chest while you gently pat her like a baby," Jenny shared with Love Meow.
"I can already tell she's going to be the boss of the house when she gets adopted. And she has me wrapped around her tiny adorable paw!"
Fergie looks up to Freddie the resident cat. He is very sweet to his tiny lookalike and doesn't mind sharing his throne with her.
At five weeks old, Fergie is still very small but has a mighty personality. "She's just a tiny nugget that fits easily in my hands. She hasn't wanted to crack the one pound mark yet, but we're working on it."
It may take Fergie a bit longer to depart from her bottle, but that's okay. "Weaning is a very individual kitten thing, they all take to it differently. She thinks anytime we are holding her, we should also be feeding her."
"She is a gem of a kitten and I feel so lucky to have the chance to foster her, and love her until she's ready for adoption," Jenny told Love Meow.
Share this story with your friends. Follow updates on Fergie and Jenny's fosters on Instagram @jennys_animal_house.
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