Poof, a tiny grey and white kitten from Irvine, California, earned an “I Cheated Death Certificate” when she underwent emergency surgery. For a kitten hardly a pound and already seriously ill, such a procedure was extremely risky. But rescuers and the veterinarian saw a “fire in her eye” that told them they should give her a chance rather than euthanize her.
Tiny and in rough shape, Poof was extremely lucky to find help from Mel Lamprey, who debated every option for the cute girl with veterinarians.
Poof arrives for help with rescuer Mel Lamprey. Images via Facebook/Mel Lamprey
Although her bloodwork was fine, X-rays and ultrasounds showed there was an “immense mass” inside her. Was it cancer? The kitten’s fighting spirit was saying not to give up and learn more through expensive exploratory surgery. Thanks to supporters, Poof got the chance she needed.
Poof needed emergency surgery and got it thanks to Mel Lamprey’s supporters.
“Despite her poor condition, she is alert, asking for pets, interested in food, and purring with pets and scratches. This is telling us to take the chance,” shared Lamprey.
Video above via Instagram/mellamprey
Poof Officially Cheated Death
Following the surgery, Lamprey was overcome with emotions when the kitten made it, and the vet handed her that cute certificate. The kitten started to eat and drink. Although she wasn’t out of the woods, things went so much better than anyone could have expected!
Images via Facebook/Mel Lamprey
She Had Swallowed a Piece of a Blanket
In an update, Lamprey shared that Poof was continuing to recover. She was coming out of the woods fast! The surgery had removed pieces of blanket material the kitten had swallowed somehow. After removing the blockage, her body could function again, and there was no cancer! The “real Poof” emerged, and she was a playful, happy kitten.
“For the first week, we were all kind of holding our breath, feeling nervous, but cautiously optimistic. It was a very serious surgery for a kitten that weighed just over a pound. But as time has passed, and Poof has steadily improved we are now feeling like it’s time to recognize the life that was saved. And, to profusely thank our supporters who enabled this surgery!” Lamprey shared.
She had a big “beautiful survivor scar,” but was meeting new foster friends and thriving.
Heroes Took a Chance on Saving Her
Lamprey gave a special thank you to the kitten’s vet, who saw the kitten’s desire to fight and took a chance.
“With a standing ovation THANK YOU to @bowtievetguy (Dr. Mike) for sitting with us, coming in and out of the room multiple times, and really, really looking at Poof. Not just her X-rays, her ultrasound, her paperwork, but at her, as an individual kitten, and seeing that there was desire and fight there, and for taking the chance. I think ‘hero’ would be appropriate? 💕. Thank you everyone for another special needs life saved!” Lamprey shared.
Poof looking so pretty after her surgery and playing with foster pals
Poof! A New Life Begins
After beating the odds in so many ways, Poof continued to thrive! In September, she got adopted and went to start her new life. Today, she’s playing fetch and hanging out with her orange tabby brother.
“She really amazed us all with her will to survive, and I will miss her floofy kisses! She will be living with her new mommy and a sweet one-year-old orange tabby brother, 🩵” Lamprey shared.
Video above via Instagram/mellamprey
You can see more and help kittens and cats like Poof on Instagram, Facebook, and at Mel Lamprey’s Pumpkin Patch Pet Rescue in Los Angeles.
