A stray Tortoiseshell kitten was brought into Palm Springs Animal Shelter with a very unique problem. And veterinarians were instantly confused because she didn’t look like a normal kitten. She had an unusual puffed up appearance, almost like she had been inflated like a balloon!
Balloon Kitten Zoe
Dr. Phil Caldwell, the Veterinarian Medical Director at the shelter, introduced the kitten they named Zoe with a video on his Instagram profile.
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“This is the craziest veterinary case I’ve seen in quite some time,” he says. “She’s so sweet… yet she’s filled with air. She’s blown up like a blimp. Oh my gosh, she’s like a big puffball.”
But just WHAT was causing the sweet fluffball to be so puffy?
Zoe was examined by Dr. Caldwell and X-rays showed that the tortie kitten had Subcutaneous Emphysema which means somehow air had become trapped under her skin causing her unusual appearance.
One of his followers commented “Can you name her Jigglypuff !!! 🤍🤍🤍🤍 and give us an update pleaseeeeee”
In an interview with ABC News, Dr. Caldwell explains that “The windpipe must have been damaged or punctured in some way which caused the air to go from the windpipe into the external tissues”
A syringe was used to extract air from this layer in several spots on Zoe. They simply “just withdrew some air from her”!
One week later and Zoe’s poofy appearance had reduced drastically. And this happily meant her internal wound most likely healed with no complications. She also began eating like a champ and gaining weight which is always a good sign.
What’s next for the former ‘balloon kitty’?
So of course, people following Zoe’s journey are very invested in her recovery. And of course she’s had many nicknames given to her including Mrs Puff and Puff Kitty.
Dr. Caldwell updated everyone “Everyone’s favorite puff kitty is making progress and looking much better, though she’s not out of the wood yet. Our veterinary team is continuing to keep a close eye on this very unusual little patient as she recovers. If you’d like to help animals like Zoe, please consider donating to our Love Fund. Your gift helps provide urgent medical care for shelter animals who need it most.”
