No matter how many times we see it, we will forever be amazed at the transformations that certain animals make after getting a little bit of help and love from the humans around them. Doesn't matter if it's a wounded and sick stray cat getting rescued and completely transforms, whether it's a dog who was previously mistreated for barking learning to bark again, or whether it's a malnourished and neglected horse getting rescued and receiving a chance at a new life. It's always amazing to see. And this transformation - of Clayton the cat - is just as amazing as the others.
Clayton was found in really rough shape, sick, hurt, and meowing for help. Looking at him today, you wouldn't even recognize him - his transformation was that great. See pictures of the transformation and read more about the story below!
As reported by Love Meow, Little Wanderers NYC in the Bronx, New York, was contacted three years ago about a kitten spotted on a concrete wall. The kitten was in really bad shape, meowing for help. Volunteers of the rescue rushed to save him and get him to a vet. "We named him Clayton (as he was found on Clay Avenue). The veterinary staff immediately admitted him to stabilize his temperature which was dangerously low," Little Wanderers NYC said.
Clayton was estimated to be eight months old, underweight in the extreme, and also had a severe upper respiratory infection. Despite all that though, he was very eager for attention and attempted his best to lift his head up to get pets. "Clayton had hypothermia, a horrendous upper respiratory infection and ulcers on his tongue. He was on the brink of death but brought back to life within hours of rescue."
After receiving critical care to treat his anemia, pneumonia, and a host of other health issues, Clayton was finally able to open his eyes and breathe a lot better. At the time, he was put on heat support to help him regulate his temperature. "This kitten was so sweet that he purred when medical staff just looked at him," Little Wanderers NYC explained. "Our collective guess is that he was outside for three weeks or more based on his condition. He is a true friendly cat so we don't understand why not one soul stepped up."
The biggest challenge turned out to be getting him to eat because of his many ulcers and esophagitis. "A feeding tube would get him over the hump and provide nutrition to boost his immune system while letting his upper digestive tract heal," Little Wanderers NYC said, adding: "He played and purred through everything. He was the sweetest boy ever."
When Clayton was healthy enough to be discharged, Rebeccah L, a volunteer of Little Wanderers NYC, took him home with her. Instantly, Clayton snuggled up to his new foster mom and seemed to not be able to get enough attention from her. "He was more active, brighter and verbal. His purrs were so loud, almost with gratitude," the rescue said.
After long days of painstaking care, Clayton finally showed an interest in food, and when he started to eat, he ate like a champ. Everyone from the rescue was so happy. "He was eating 2.5 cans per day and he almost forgot he was sick." It took a lot of work, but after all this care from his foster mom, Clayton made an incredible recovery.
He thrived against all odds and managed to climb his way into the hearts of his foster family. It was simply impossible for Rebeccah to part with him, so she didn't, officially adopting him instead. Three whole years have passed since Clayton found his forever home. Today, he is a doting cat to everyone around him - animal and human alike. He offers a helping paw to everyone who seem to need him, as he was once offered help too.
"Clayton means the world to me. I wake up most nights and he's snuggled himself in my arms. He's the perfect cat dad to all of my fosters. He's so patient, gentle, and funny," Rebeccah wrote. "I laugh all the time over his quirks and mannerisms. He's the perfect boy. He's why I foster. I'm lucky to have him. People want a perfect pet but the wonky ones are the perfect ones."
Clayton has come a very long way since getting rescued. "Fostering a cat literally saves lives. Clayton is a success story and a testament to the power of working together. It really does take a village!"
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