When Tobasco arrived at the Humane Society for Hamilton County in the USA with his brother Frank, he seemed to be a calm and peaceful kitten. While his brother was a little rascal with a fiery temperament, Tobasco would let anyone handle him without a fuss. But his quiet nature was actually hiding a deep distress.
Beneath his thick, soft white fur, the little kitten was fading away. It wasn't until his foster mum, Jennifer, founder of the New Kittens on the Block network, ran her hands through his coat that she discovered the shocking truth. Tobasco was nothing but skin and bone.
A life-or-death emergency
An emergency visit to the rescue centre confirmed just how serious the situation was. In only two weeks, the kitten had lost almost 9 ounces (250g).
A medical plan was immediately put in place to save his life. For days, Jennifer did everything she could to support her little charge.
The road to recovery
And her efforts finally paid off. In less than a week, Tobasco's weight shot up from under 1.5 pounds (680g) to over 1.8 pounds (820g).
Today, the transformed kitten is bursting with energy. This story is a powerful reminder of the crucial, and often life-saving, role that foster families play. Their one-on-one attention allows them to spot the subtle warning signs that can easily be missed in a busy shelter environment.