Fearless Tiny Kitten Undergoes Life-Saving Open-Chest Surgery, Fights Like a True Champion

Our feline friends can sometimes face health challenges so daunting they require major surgeries. It’s in these moments their incredible resilience and zest for life shine through. Take Piglet, a tuxedo kitten, for example.

Piglet’s journey began when he arrived at the Best Friends Lifesaving Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, with his mom and siblings. They were quickly placed in foster care to get ready for their future homes.

Sadly, not everything was going according to plan for little Piglet. But, thanks to an observant foster volunteer Piglet, he was saved in the nick of time.

black and white kitten
Credit: Best Friends Lifesaving Center

The foster volunteer noticed Piglet would inhale milk into his lungs while nursing, causing him to vomit after every meal. Upon detailed examination, Piglet was diagnosed with megaesophagus. 

According to Pet MD, megaesophagus is a condition characterized by the dilation of the esophagus (the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach) which results in the muscles’ inability to properly move liquid and food into the stomach.

Complications grew as Piglet began struggling to breathe and became lethargic. His foster parent rushed him to the emergency vet clinic, hoping for some help.

kitten at vet clinic
Credit: Best Friends Lifesaving Center

A CT scan revealed Piglet had a persistent right aortic arch, which is a congenital condition that constricts the esophagus. Best Friends vet, Dr. Megan McCarthy explained:

“Food could not travel to the stomach as it usually would. He was in dire need of surgery to correct that.”

To save Piglet, he had to undergo emergency open-chest surgery. Despite concerns from his caretakers about his young age and small size, this little warrior defied the odds and pulled through.

After the surgery, Piglet returned to his foster home to continue his journey to recovery, but that road wasn’t filled with roses.

kitten eating from a bowl
Credit: Best Friends Lifesaving Center

Piglet had a very specific post-surgery protocol, including wearing a sweater to protect the sutures and being fed in an upright position, remaining so for 30 minutes after a meal.

Obviously, that wasn’t the easiest task for a young cat who can’t keep still for a longer period of time.

Fortunately, his foster parents were very patient, creative, and determined to help him. They found creative ways to elevate Piglet’s food bowl and to keep him still for 30 minutes after the meal.

kitten wrapped after surgery
Credit: Best Friends Lifesaving Center

Thanks to their efforts, Piglet began to eat normally within weeks, showcasing his indomitable spirit. Dr. Megan was overjoyed:

“We’re very happy that he survived, and we’re so glad we could get him the help that he needed.”

After enduring so much, finding a forever home was the easiest thing for Piglet. He quickly captured the heart of a loving family, who couldn’t wait to shower him with all the love and attention.

two cats playing indoors
Credit: Best Friends Lifesaving Center

Besides the loving family, he also got a feline sister, an orange kitty named Starling, with whom he instantly bonded.

This brave kitty survived all odds, and now, he’s thriving in his new home, ready to live a beautiful and easygoing life with the ones he loves the most!

Related Posts

Fabulous Cat Steals Hearts At His Parents’ Wedding As The Cutest Ring Bearer In History

Sharing is caring! Facebook Pinterest For most people, their wedding day is the most important day of their lives – a celebration of true love with the closest and dearest by their side. For some, however, the guest list includes some non-traditional …

After 15 Months Of Longing For A Home, Shelter Cat Finally Gets Her Wish Fulfilled

Sharing is caring! Facebook Pinterest Some shelter cats spend their entire lives in shelters, waiting for their fortune to turn around. However, this mother kitty finally got lucky after nearly a year. Keko, a beautiful calico cat, arrived at a local …

Sanctuary’s Rescue Turns Dramatic When They Find A Tiny Kitten Separated From His Mother

Sharing is caring! Facebook Pinterest A cat rescue group had a touching yet tough situation with a stray cat and her kittens. The mama cat, now called Roselea, had her babies under the deck of an empty house. The volunteers worked hard for many days to …

Stray Cat Missing Front Paws And One Ear Just Wanted Someone To Love And Care For Him

Sharing is caring! Facebook Pinterest It’s not uncommon to encounter a stray cat in miserable condition that evokes feelings of pity. Afflicted by all sorts of diseases, harsh climates, and lack of food and shelter, strays often go through a lot of suffering. …

Man Finds An Abandoned Kitten By The Road And Walks Right Into An Unbelievable Trap

Sharing is caring! Facebook Pinterest Robert Brantley, a professional rifle shooter and a dad of two, stumbled into the sweetest furry trap. What started as a simple rescue mission and unfolded into a heartwarming adventure, will leave you smiling all …

Kitten Found On A Parking Lot In A Heartbreaking Condition Has An Inspiring Story To Tell

Sharing is caring! Facebook Pinterest Finding peace and happiness despite hardships is a rare quality in humans, but this brave kitty certainly embodies it! Bailey was just a few weeks old when she lost both her mom and her little brother. But despite …

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *