A kind man makes a special helmet design to protect a rescued kitten named Otter. Then, he shared it so those with special needs animals can make one too!
Here’s an amazing update on Bunny and Otter, two kittens saved by Baby Kitten Rescue in LA. Both kittens had missing limbs, which was congenital. But Otter was also hydrocephalus with an enlarged head. Thanks to donations, the foster parents could get the cute kittens the extensive veterinary help they needed. They made it against all odds!
Both kittens are very happy and don’t need prosthetics. But, Otter has a meningocele on his head (protrusion filled with cerebrospinal fluid), so he initially wore a bandaid for protection. Later, he got a special helmet and looked even more adorable.
The rescuers hoped Otter would heal naturally; over time, he did improve considerably. However, as a one-year-old adult, he would need surgery to install a cover to protect his brain. At four months, he got an MRI to check his progress and he was doing fine.
Otter standing on his hind legs. Images and media via Instagram/Baby Kitten Rescue
“Please do not feel bad for them. I get so many comments from people saying ‘poor babies’ or ‘so sad’ or ‘😢.’ There is really nothing to pity. They are deeply loved and cared for. They have and will always have a healthy and happy quality of life,” the rescue shared.
Bunny standing up.
Thousands of people followed Bunny and Otter’s progress, rooting for them to thrive and grow up strong.
“Otter would like everyone to know that he fought a fish🤣👏”
As you can see, these two are overflowing with charm.
Special Helmet Design for Otter
In late July, Otter got a specially designed helmet to protect his noggin. It took a month of work, made of soft, light craft foam with a hard plastic cap on top. A Velcro strip fastened under his chin. It didn’t slow Otter down at all, so he stayed in a soft, padded environment with nothing to climb.
Man Shares Helmet Design with Everyone
Later, the designer of Otter’s helmet, a prototyping technician named Bruce, made a step-by-step guide on how to make it, which you can see here. Now, others with special needs animals can make one too. How generous and amazing is that? Thank you to Baby Kitten Rescue and Bruce for sharing this with everyone!
Helmet King Otter
With thousands of people watching Otter, he became known as the ‘Helmet King’ with cute heart-shaped toe beans. Below, he’s on his way to get his MRI at four-months-old. The vets fell in love with the “perfect angel.”
Otter Pulls Through On His Big Day
Soon after the Baby Kitten Rescue’s one-year anniversary, Otter had a successful surgery at UC Davis. Although it was “nerve-wracking” waiting and hoping, it went smoothly without complications. Now, they would help him recover and wear his helmet while the incision healed. It looks like a cute little “Mohawk.”
Back at home, Otter could be wherever he liked. His protective helmet was all he needed, so he got lots of love on the sofa. Everyone is overjoyed and we wish Otter a speedy recovery.
“He is doing SO well!! I’m seriously amazed by his strength and resilience💪🥹👏. He’s eating, playing, snuggling, and purring like nothing ever happened😻,” they shared.
For more, you can follow Baby Kitten Rescue on Instagram and Facebook.
