A tiny kitten named McNugget was born with a congenital condition, pectus excavatum. It’s also called “funnel chest,” a sunken-in chest that may not allow enough room for the growing lungs or heart. It’s the same condition seen in young people and sometimes requires life-saving surgery.
For McNugget, the condition was severe, causing dangerous breathing issues that would likely lead to premature death. Not only that, but the kitten found himself in a New York City shelter, where the odds for his survival plummeted even further. He was destined for euthanasia. This kitten needed a few extra side orders of luck and fast!
Images and media via Facebook/Little Wanderers NYC
McNugget Gets Supersized Luck to Go!
Despite such a challenging start in life, the little guy had supersized luck and incredible resilience. Luckily, rescuers from Little Wanderers NYC spotted the tiny tot and worked to pull him from the shelter.
“We wanted to get him the help that he needed and have a chance at a normal life,” Little Wanderers NYC shared.
Then, with help from supporters, they got the kitten the required, expensive surgery. A village of people came together to save one tiny life. A rescue fund from the Animal Medical Center helped make it possible, the rescue shared.
When McNugget went for surgery, so many were rooting for him. After hours of surgery, he beat the odds again and survived. Maybe all those pawsitive vibes really did help?! We think so, along with an incredible team of experts.
“A team of experts put together a plan to re-shape his ribs and expand his chest to allow more room for his lungs and heart to grow and expand. Animal Medical Centers Orthopedic Surgeons sawed into McNugget’s bones and pulled his ribs forward, attaching them to an external chest plate on the outside of his body. Under this cute shirt, McNugget has a plate sewn into his chest. It will remain on him for six to eight weeks, stabilizing his bones to a proper position,” they shared.
After surviving the first surgery, he will need numerous follow-ups. In the meantime, he had lots of love from his foster mom, Elaine, to help him recover. And with his supersized luck, everyone expects he will overcome everything that comes his way.
The Best Part
Now, for “the best part,” the fries on top, if you will. McNugget charmed a veterinarian in training who ended up adopting him! It’s the best outcome anyone could imagine.
“I will need visitation rights added to the adoption contract! I am going to miss him so much. He is one special little nugget!🥰😻” said Elaine.
Here’s the latest update about the tiny but mighty kitten right before he flew away to his furever home.
“He is with his amazing foster and will soon be going into his forever home. A little happiness and some good surgery sure goes a long way. He is a little co-pilot today!”
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