A kitten was much tinier than other cats her age, but she showed the spirit of a tiger. Months later, she truly transformed.

Bedhead@catsofnewbern

Last summer, a mother cat and her seven kittens were brought to Craven Pamlico Animal Services, in need of a second chance.

Michele, who manages the kitten foster program, quickly arranged a foster home for the family. They were all battling stomach issues. While the mother and five of the kittens began to heal, the two smallest babies struggled to grow.

At five weeks old, they were no bigger than typical two-week-old kittens. Realizing they needed specialized care, Michele stepped in to help.

@catsofnewbern

The tiny tabby with white mittens survived, but sadly, her sister lost her fight despite Michele’s tireless efforts. The little survivor was named Bedhead, inspired by her perpetually wild, untamable fur. Though she was impossibly small, Bedhead showed a fierce will to live and a spirit far bigger than her body.

Michele wasn’t giving up, and neither was Bedhead.

Michele @enckittennursery

“Over the next week, she finally started eating canned food regularly,” Michele told Love Meow.

After several rounds of medication, Bedhead’s stomach issues began to resolve. With each passing day, she gained a bit more weight and strength. Just when it seemed she had finally turned a corner, another challenge emerged.

Michele @enckittennursery

Bedhead developed ringworm, a skin infection that required weeks of medicated baths and oral medication. “She seemed to lose all of her fur overnight. Her fur was gone, but her bedhead never fell out.”

She responded well to treatment, and slowly, her fur grew back in a blend of new shades. With renewed energy, she found her voice, becoming more chatty and curious about the world around her.

Michele @enckittennursery

“We went through six weeks of ringworm treatment. She was gaining weight and finally hitting milestones. It was then I knew she’d be okay.”

Even after fully recovering, Bedhead remained petite. She met other foster kittens who were half her age and twice her size. By early January, she filled out beautifully for her small frame.

Michele @enckittennursery

The former runt of the litter blossomed into a proper teenage kitten, full of boisterous energy and wrapped in a soft, gleaming coat. Friendly with every cat she met, she carried herself with unmistakable confidence.

She befriended Glacier, another foster kitten, sharing toys and showing her the ropes. Though Bedhead was two months older, the two were nearly the same size.

Bedhead and GlacierMichele @enckittennursery

By five months old, Bedhead had grown into a stunning young cat, with a bushy tail that never failed to draw admiration. When she was finally ready for adoption, Michele was determined to find her the family that would cherish and spoil her endlessly.

In late January, Emily visited the kitten nursery to meet a different cat, but Bedhead had other plans for her.

Michele @enckittennursery

“You know how kittens choose their person. One look from Bedhead, and Emily was smitten,” Michele added. “I didn’t rush into finding her a family and waited for the right fit, and did that work out.”

Bedhead quickly settled into her new home, happily cradled in everyone’s arms and purring nonstop. “Her forever family loves her immensely. She has a kitty sister named Snow and human brothers who love to hold and snuggle her.”

She’s found her forever homeMichele @enckittennursery

After months of devoted care, Bedhead transformed from a palm-sized wonder into a beautiful, happy, fluffy cat.

She may still be small, but her strength, resilience, and spirit are nothing short of extraordinary.

Michele @enckittennursery

Share this story with your friends. More on Michele’s fosters at ENC Kitten Nursery on Instagram @enckittennursery and Facebook. Thanks to @catsofnewbern.

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They helped a kitten abandoned on the road, unable to walk, and later watched in awe as the cat got up and ran again.

FlutterbyTails High

On a day when storms were forecast, a surge of requests for help poured into Tails High, a volunteer-run rescue. Among them was one kitten whose face was impossible to forget.

A dilute calico had been found abandoned on the road. Her legs were injured, and she dragged herself across the pavement in search of safety. A Good Samaritan stopped and scooped her up to get her help. “As we rushed her to the ER, we noticed butterflies in the wildflowers along the highway,” Tails High shared.

“Delicate, tiny, and hopeful, fluttering by as if to say everything might be okay. And so, we named her Flutterby.”

Tails High

Despite a severe eye infection and broken legs, Flutterby’s spirit remained unshaken. Her right back leg was splinted to allow it to heal, while her left back leg was believed to need amputation once she reached a safe weight.

But the strong-willed kitten seemed to have other plans.

Tails High

With round-the-clock care and an abundance of love, Flutterby’s appetite returned with gusto, and her eyes cleared up. She blossomed into a total love bug, melting into her people and soaking up every ounce of affection.

“With a full belly, her meds onboard, and thunderstorms roaring outside, Flutterby purred, made biscuits, and leaned in for pets.”

Tails High

After a few weeks in foster care, she was splint-free, and follow-up X-rays revealed encouraging signs of healing in both hind legs. “She has us in constant awe of her resilience. We had doubts her displaced femur would heal, yet she defied expectations, putting weight on it and walking comfortably.”

Full of joy and curiosity, Flutterby showed everyone she was unstoppable.

Tails High

Soon, she was back on her feet, batting at toys and bouncing around the room. She walked with newfound confidence, as if she owned the place.

It was hard to believe that not long ago, she had been unable to use her back legs. Now, she chased toys and embraced life with enthusiasm. “We knew we’d do everything we could to give her the best chance at the best life. Every single day, she showed us her strength.”

Tails High

“Like a delicate butterfly, she needed time to heal her wings. Now, she’s finally ready to fly, with both legs fully healed,” the rescue shared. “We were so excited to review her X-rays and see the wonder of what kittens’ bodies can do.”

Flutterby rose onto her tippy-toes at the window, watching birds and neighbors while basking in the warm sunlight.

Tails High

With expert veterinary care, proper rest, and perseverance, Flutterby returned to her playful self, doing everything just like any other kitten.

As adoption time approached, the rescue hoped Flutterby would find a forever home alongside Sea Glass, a one-eyed tortie she had bonded with in foster care.

Tails High

“They’ve become best friends, and are the cutest, silliest, most loving duo.”

Then the perfect family came along and made their wish come true, welcoming both kitties into their home. When Tails High received an update showing the two curled up in each other’s arms, their hearts were full.

Flutterby and Sea GlassTails High

Today, Flutterby is living the dream life she always wanted, thanks to the kind stranger who stopped to save her and the dedicated volunteers who helped her thrive.

Though her journey was filled with challenges, her resilience was nothing short of amazing.

Tails High

Share this story with your friends. More on Tails High on Instagram @tailshigh and Facebook.

Related story: They Return to Yard for a Missing Kitten After Saving Cat Family, Turns Out the Little Guy Has Heart of Gold