Author, actress, model, animal-rights activist, kitten rescuer, and wife of radio personality Howard Stern, Beth Stern shared the story of Sparrow, a blind and deaf white cat who arrived in her care over the summer.
Sparrow has one golden eye, one blue eye and captured the hearts of thousands of people online.
Unfortunately, the cat arrived with a group of other purebreds requiring rescue from a terrible situation. They were kept in small cages with blaring heat lamps, starving, and were without food or water for days.
Images via Instagram, Beth Stern
Sparrow Arrives at The Stern Kitty Buffet
Fortunately, Sparrow and Alfalfa arrived at “The Stern Kitty Buffet,” where Stern would give them all the food they could eat. Now, they would never be hungry ever again as she rehabilitated them to prepare for their forever homes.
“Little Sparrow is the one of the Persians who was rescued from a small cage stuffed with six other cats, covered in a blanket with heat lamps blaring on them. The person who was abusing them in these horrific conditions was hospitalized for eight days before these cats were saved,” Stern wrote.
All the cats needed immediate veterinary care after being kept without food or water under the lamps. Sadly, Sparrow lost her vision due to the burning lamps. A picture that showed when she was once for sale on a website. As you can see, it showed her eyes used to look altogether different and she could probably see and hear.
“Because of the poor nutrition, starvation, and blaring heat lamps on her small cage, she is permanently blind and deaf. Must be very scary navigating her world like that when she was most likely born perfect. Animal abuse is horrific,” wrote Stern.
How Sparrow used to look
Now, Sparrow required multiple medications and was slowly making progress. A dangerous ear infection was affecting both ears, but one was particularly troublesome. So, she needed drops in her ears each day for months.
Amazing What Love Can Do
At first, the cat didn’t want to be touched and growled. However, in a few days, she came to enjoy the gentle human touch enough to purr. Even better, her appetite was great, and she was gaining weight.
“Do I see a smile? I’d like to think so… amazing what love can do. 💕”
Soon, Sparrow began exploring her small, cozy environment. Even though she couldn’t see or hear, she enjoyed navigating her new surrounding to find the toys and objects placed for her to enjoy.
“Sparrow found her scratcher bed.💗 #blindanddeafandbeautiful“
Soon, she began loving her daily cuddles with Stern.
“Sparrow 💞 (she loves being held!)”
Then, she began offering her belly to be rubbed, a sure sign of a trusting happy cat. Before long, Sparrow would come running when her foster momma came in the room. Somehow, Sparrow always knew when Stern was around.
“‘Ive been cleaning Sparrow’s ears and administering meds for her severe ear infections…and…it just may be a coincidence…BUT… she came running to me when I opened her door this morning!! Can she hear me?!? OMG OMG OMG♥️♥️♥️”
By the end of July, Sparrow looked much improved and was playful, using her sense of smell and touch to find toys. And, she was becoming talkative, meowing for her foster momma. Now, she was finally confident, healthy, and happy, getting a little belly. Then, she began exploring a larger room and got a special blanket with birds on it.
Sparrow’s Time to Fly
After all the daily love and TLC, it would soon be time to let this kitty fly to a forever home. After a vet check, we learn she is still deaf and blind but doing “amazing” nonetheless. Notably, she still required ear drops for her “bad ear,” the result of a ruptured eardrum. In the meantime, she would continue to be showered in love, including from thousands of adoring online fans.
One day, Stern showed off a limited edition T-shirt with a cute design of Sparrow called “Sparrow’s Bliss.” All proceeds benefitted other kitties like her. Thus, Sparrow was a star and being seen on people’s shirts everywhere.
Fostering is a Bridge
After all the love and bonding, Sparrow was ready to spread her wings, a bittersweet moment.
“Fostering is a bridge, not a forever. 💗 There will always be another who needs me,” Stern wrote.
At the end of August, the rescuer savored her last moments with Sparrow.
“May my heart always be open to little birds who are the secrets of living.” -e.e. Cummings.
Sparrow Goes Home
Finally, on the 27th, we see Sparrow has taken flight to a loving home. As you can see, her new mommy loves white kitties!
“Fly, Sparrow, fly!!!! (Please zoom in on Sparrow’s new mom’s leggings and her headband!) My smile is as big as my tears…. To follow this little wonder: @mysweetiesparrow 💕”
Sparrow Lives With Her Biggest Fan
Now, you can follow Sparrow on her own Instagram at “mysweetiesparrow.”
As you can see, Sparrow’s forever home is where her biggest fan resides.
“Another day means another opportunity to choose kindness! I♥️U Sparrow!”
