Tiny Layla and her fuzzy brother Liam arrived in late September at the Newborn Kitten Rescue (NKR). From the start, Layla’s fur was mussed as if she had just woken up from a nap. These two were very lucky, arriving with the kitten experts, where they received all they needed, including “tummy tickles and warm blankets.”
The Scottsdale, Arizona-based nonprofit helps the tiniest of neonatal kittens that would otherwise be euthanized. These little ones need the highest level of care with round-the-clock attention for weeks to make it.
“Without a mom, these tiny babies need 24-hour support, including feedings every 2 hours until they reach 3 to 4 weeks of age,” NKR shared. “Even at 3-4 weeks, kittens still require feedings every 4 hours. Many shelters are not equipped to handle the care these kittens need, especially if they are experiencing other illnesses, and turn to organizations like NKR for support.”
It takes a team of volunteers, generous donations, and veterinarians to save each tiny life.
“We’ve got some new cuties! This is the fabulous sibling duo Layla and Liam. While they’re still settling into their new routine with NKR, their foster says both babies are huge sweethearts who enjoy tummy tickles and warm blankets. ❤️”
Layla, AKA Miss Permanent Bedhead
In this case, the kittens were soon weaned to wet food, and there’s always a messy phase where the food gets everywhere.
These babies had “permanent bedhead” combined with a face full of food.
“Weaning… always a little surprising. 😸”
Here’s Layla after several weeks, and you can see this kitten will always have the softest downy fluff sticking out in all directions, even after her “glow up.”
“Layla, aka Miss Permanent Bedhead 😺.”
Little Monsters at Halloween
Around the same time, the rescue took in three kittens with purrfect names for the Spooky Halloween season. They’re Snallygaster and siblings Mothman and Grafton. The latter boys’ names are inspired by West Virginian cryptid lore.
Snallygaster was a very sick “little monster” when he arrived and required ER treatment. They had to do X-rays to find out what was making “Snally” so sick to his stomach. As you can see, he may also have a case of permanent bedhead like Layla.
After the X-ray, the rescuers learned that Snallygaster had a megaesophagus. That means the kitten’s esophagus was enlarged and not moving food into the stomach as it should. So, they regurgitate their food. It’s more common in dogs, and the cause is complex.
To help Snally, they needed to feed him standing up to help the food go down. Fortunately, the little guy seemed to enjoy feeding this way, and his foster mom didn’t mind giving him extra attention.
To ensure Snally got the best care, he needed to receive more tests at the vet. And, below is how he responded. It’s just how many of us feel about going to the doctor.
Thanks to donations, the rescue purchased a special feeding device that will adjust as the kitten grows. If you or someone you know encounters a kitten with a megaesophagus, this may be just what you need.
Feeding device by Adaptive Tech & Consulting.
“P.S. The feeder comes in purple and black, which we think is just perfect for our little monster! 👾.”
Below are Snallygaster’s ridiculously cute brothers, Mothman and Grafton.
“You’ve met our handsome boy Snallygaster, but did you know he has two equally sweet and adorable brothers? This is Mothman and Grafton! Their names were inspired by West Virginian cryptid lore–just in time for spooky season! Although we don’t think there is anything spooky about these perfect boys.”
With care from the wonderful rescuers at Newborn Kitten Rescue, these tiny ones will be ready for a lifetime of love. For more, you can follow Newborn Kitten Rescue on Facebook and Instagram.
