Late in January, a palm-sized cat named Finnegan made his way to Arlington, Virginia’s Chris Griffey Memorial Feline Foundation. The little child had neurological issues, a soft mass on the back of his head just next to his left ear, and an urgent need for special care.
The cat traveled from Colonial Beach in search of the immediate medical attention he need. He was welcomed at the shelter right away with the purpose of doing all possible to help tiny Finnegan.
The cat traveled from Colonial Beach in search of the immediate medical attention he need. He was welcomed at the shelter right away with the purpose of doing all possible to help tiny Finnegan.
According to Chris Griffey Memorial Feline Foundation co-founder Ellen Carozza, a licensed veterinary technician:
After some tests and x-rays they managed to find Finnegan’s diagnosis.
Ellen tells:
“We discovered the cause of her abscess, which was a beta-hemolytic streptococcus infection, and it is usually transmitted from an infected queen (mama), and the antibiotics we gave her were appropriate for her course of treatment.”
Finnegan had limited mobility and required assistance most of the time. Ellen saw determination in his wide eyes and heard strength in his shrieks, and she knew they had to give him a fighting chance to get ahead.
The entire veterinary team worked hard to put together a treatment plan for the cat, giving him antibiotics, a nutrition routine, electrolytes, and complementary therapies to get him back in good shape.
Benedict, Ellen’s cat, arrived to give the kitten some careful, loving attention. She seemed to want to reassure the young kid that everything would be well as she approached him after giving him a thorough wash.
Ellen promises:
“Having older cats in the house that adore kittens really helps the kitten learn how to be a cat,” Benedict said of Finn. “Benedict is the best cat dad; he had to give him his signature ‘blessings’ when he met him.”
Loki, the gray tabby cat, also joined Benedict in his kitty support project. Finnegan had Ellen’s 24-hour care and love from the resident kittens, so before long Finn began to show signs of progress.
Ellen continued:
“After a week, he eventually felt well enough to use the bottle gradually, and he is now enjoying his food. Additionally, he is gaining weight and developing typical kitten walking and standing gaits.
Finn is now strong enough to sit on his own and is eating like a champ. Ellen no longer has to help support her and she is very proud of her little warrior. Finn is already starting to gain muscle and strength in his legs, and is learning to put them to good use.
His personality flourishes and every day he is more playful and restless. The kitten is always surrounded by his friends Loki and Benedict who encourage him to improve every day.
The neighborhood cats adore Finn, and the feline is certain of this. They support him and teach him the proper cat behavior. Loki never strays too far from the little kid, thus he frequently responds to Finn’s calls for help.
Added by Ellen
“She’s already made amazing progress, and we’re sure she won’t take long to move and play as any healthy kitty should. Again, you have to get out of your comfort zone and treat these people unconventionally, regardless of their age or size.
Lovable Finn enjoys watching the world go by from his basket. But he is always working on strengthening his sitting and standing skills. We are sure that in no time he will be running around like a naughty boy.
