In early June 2022, the Baby Kitten Rescue in Los Angeles took in Bunny and Otter, two tiny kittens with missing limbs. While Bunny is missing her front arms, her brother Otter is missing parts of his front paws.
“They’re both the sweetest little angels,” said their foster mom, rescue founder Caroline Grace.
When a kind woman in Northern California found the kittens, she waited hours for the mama to return. When the mama didn’t show up, she took the kittens home and started bottle-feeding. Later, she reached out for help from rescuers.
“When I saw the message and the photos of these babies, I could not say no,” said Caroline from Baby Kitten Rescue.
As luck would have it, the Good Samaritan happened to be traveling to LA for the weekend. So, Bunny and Otter came along on a Saturday morning, and their new foster mom Caroline picked them up.
Images and media via Facebook/Baby Kitten Rescue
Bunny and Otter in the incubator. Bunny and Otter in Foster Care
Alert and Active Despite Serious Health Concerns
After arriving in foster care, it became clear that Bunny and Otter required extensive care. Both had upper respiratory infections, fleas, scabs, sores and discharge from their eyes and noses. Plus, they were suffering from severe GI issues and URI infections. Without immediate care, they had no chance of survival.
To top it off, poor Bunny had an abscess on her head, and Otter’s head was disproportionately large. Possibly, he may have hydrocephalus causing his eyes to bulge. Despite all this, the kittens were alert and soon received veterinary care.
“They are on antibiotics, probiotics, and receiving wound care. They are eating well and are alert and active, despite everything! And Bunny has already started purring after eating😭🥹,” wrote Caroline.
Unfortunately, all the veterinary care they required to survive would cost thousands of dollars. With generous donations, these adorable kittens could have a chance for happy lives.
Bunny
Bunny and Otter’s Strong and Sweet Spirits
Despite such a heartbreaking start in life, Bunny and Otter’s resilience and purrsonalities showed through immediately. Although tiny, Bunny held her own with her brother and quickly bonded with her foster mom.
“Bunny has a strong and sweet spirit💪🥰 She loves to eat and will scramble her way over her brother to eat first, even though he’s twice her size😆👏”
“She has the loudest purr motor, I can hardly believe such a big sound can come from such a tiny body😆🥰 She purrs after every feeding, loves to be held, and looks into your eyes when you talk and sing to her🥹.”
Otter is Protective of His Little Sister
Likewise, Otter is a strong spirit in a tiny package and protective of his sister, wrapping around her to sleep.
“Otter is such a sweet and special boy😻🦁. He has a lot of medical issues going on right now, but he also has a strong and sweet spirit!💪🥰”
“You can tell Otter feels protective of his sister, Bunny🥹 He always wants to be close to her and will wrap his body around her to sleep😭🥰. Otter is missing part of his right front arm and a few toes on the left front hand. But that doesn’t slow him down!👏😻 He’s already so full of life and personality, despite not feeling well🥹✨”
Observing these two, she couldn’t wait to see them “grow and blossom.”
“Otter’s little smiling milk mouth is the sweetest🥹🍼🥰”
Missing Limb Mystery
As the kittens grew, Caroline would learn more about why they have missing limbs. Could their mama cat have accidentally bitten them off at birth? Or else, was this congenital? When they were a little older and stronger, the veterinarian would be able to conduct more tests to find out.
Whatever the case, Caroline knew they would adapt to life.
“Don’t worry, cats with only 2 legs can live totally normal, happy lives!😻 Kittens quickly pick up how to walk on their back legs, like a little bunny😉🐇,” she wrote.
For example, the famous two-legged cat Duck, or Purrasicduck, has no problem bounding about on her two hind legs.
At over four weeks old, Bunny and Otter graduated from the incubator to a special playpen. Both were playful, loved toys and exploring, and began using a litter box.
Then, they began weaning from the bottle and gradually accepting some wet food in their bottle.
Good News for Bunny
After X-rays, there was some good news. Bunny’s internal organs looked fine, while her missing limbs are congenital and not caused by injury. Already, she’s learning to stand on her back legs, holding her own wrestling with Otter.
“Bunny is starting to stand up on her back legs!!🥹👏🐇. She is getting stronger and more stable, and I’m just so in awe of this #tinybutmighty girl!!!😭💪😻”
The Future for Bunny and Otter 🐇🦦
Now, the relieved foster mom awaited neurologist results for Otter, who almost certainly has hydrocephalus. Otherwise, both kittens appear “super healthy” in their playful and adventurous behavior and eating habits.
If all goes as planned, Bunny and Otter will be ready for a forever home after a couple of months at the Baby Kitten Rescue. Then, the right home will be ready to provide a little extra TLC these two kittens will need to thrive.
For more updates, you can follow Baby Kitten Rescue on Instagram and Facebook. If you are able and would like to, a donation will help provide for their ongoing care.
Video by Love Meow:
