Two feline “miracle girls” survive against the odds thanks to their rescuers.
Kitten rescuers in LA pulled out all the stops when they received a litter of kittens with severe Panleukopenia, commonly called Panleuk or FPV. It’s a viral disease caused by the feline parvovirus and is often deadly in kittens and cats, particularly 3-5 months of age.
When kittens are older, they can get vaccines to prevent Panleuk, but these furbabies were just 3-days old. Without intensive care, the kittens almost certainly wouldn’t make it. Even with treatment, the outlook isn’t good for kittens.
That’s why they named two kittens “miracle girls,” when they beat the odds, surviving the devastating virus.
Abandoned Kittens Fighting Panleukopenia
Images and media via Instagram/babykittenrescue
Someone abandoned Nina and her siblings at an emergency vet without their mother or even a note. Possibly, the mother died from exposure to the virus.
“When they arrived, they were covered in fleas, filthy, dehydrated and emaciated. They weren’t in good shape, but rarely are neonates healthy on intake. I got to work getting them stable,” she said.
Suddenly, two of the kitten’s health crashed, and she discovered the kittens were positive for the virus. Even with intense effort, including an oxygen concentrator, a protocol of meds and supportive care, three of the kittens passed away.
She tried all night to save them, but later a vet discovered some of the kittens also had Flat Chested Kitten Syndrome (FCKS). It can leave them unable to breathe as the ribs compress the lungs. Another kitten had pectus excavatum, causing her sternum to compress her lungs. She didn’t make it even with a portable oxygen concentrator just for her.
It was “heart-shattering” to lose the kittens, but Caroline had to keep fighting to save the others.
Nina and Mila the Miracle Girls
After all the heartbreak and enormous efforts to save the kittens, there were two miracles. Mila, the runt of the litter, nearly died too, but made a slow recovery.
“I realize I have not formally introduced my Miracle Girls! Mila means ‘miracle’ and it’s only fitting for this tiny but mighty girl!❤️”
Like her siblings, Mila needed the oxygen concentrator and full range of treatments.
“It took her days to be able to breathe well and eat on her own again. But my tiny but mighty girl is beating all odds and recovering!!😭🙏❤️ Just look at this perfect, chunky, adorable little teddy bear!🥹 It’s hard to believe 1 week ago, she was knocking on death’s door so sick with Panleukopenia😭.”
Then, there was the Miracle Girl Nina, who found bravely through it all.
“Nina means “strong” and is a perfect name for this strong little fighter girl!🙏💪”
“Nina has the sweetest personality and is the biggest and best eater!🍼 She loves to look into my eyes when I talk and sing to her and purrs after every feeding for roly-poly belly rubs🥹,” said Carolina.
The Girls Grow Up Strong
At four weeks old, Nina and Mila were thriving and playing together.
Nina was getting downright chonky with unusual colors, perhaps dilute fawn or lilac? Her cuteness was “off the charts.“
To see her in this picture, you would never guess that she was so sick just days earlier.
Nina and Mila Find a Forever Home
In late September, Nina and Mila were ready to find a forever home. It would be the ultimate goal for all the rescuer’s hard work and love.
“These girls are little earth angels😇 The fact that they survived Panleukopenia at just 1 week old is a miracle😭 And despite everything they’ve been through, they are both the sweetest, happiest, most easy going, most playful, and most loving girls🥹🥰. I can’t fully describe how special these girls are. But when they stare right into your eyes as you talk to them, you know❤️.”
Dreams Comes True For the Miracle Girls
In early October, the dream came true, and the Miracle Girls found their forever home together after being spayed.
“It’s been an intense and traumatic journey with these babies, but I’m so incredibly proud of my miracle girls for surviving the most deadly virus, Panleukopenia😭🙏 I’m just soaking up my last week with them and spending every spare second I have with them🥹,” said Caroline.
Now, you can follow the Miracle Girl’s adventure in their forever home with an artist who loves cats.
“Nina and Mila are going to the most wonderful forever family who have followed their journey from the start🥹 They are already head over heels in love with them and spoiling them with love and attention😭🥰”
For more, you can follow Baby Kitten Rescue in the LA area. Currently, they are hoping for donations to help with their special needs baby Otter, whose extraordinary story we shared previously. You can follow Baby Kitten Rescue on Instagram and Facebook.
