By LuAnn McLain
Panda is the example of a kitten that endeared herself to her caretakers because of her desperate need. She was about 4 days old when her mother was killed. The mother cat was very young herself, maybe only 6 or 8 months old. As far as is known, she only had the one kitten.
The woman who delivered the kitten to Kitty Keepers was from out in the Bear Paws. Unfortunately she did not fill out any paperwork normally part of the Kitty Keepers routine. Her identity is therefore unknown at this time.
The kitten had to be bottle-fed. At her young age that meant every couple of hours around the clock. Young kittens like this cant even potty. It needs mother to stimulate it by licking. Surrogate mothers then have to use a damp cloth or cotton to help kitten pass waste.
Volunteers for Kitty Keepers took turns taking care of Panda. Penney Bergren believes the volunteers learned a lot from the experience and that Panda also benefited. Its been good for them to see how much is involved with saving such a young animal and how rewarding it is to succeed. Its made others more appreciative of the hard work involved and the importance of saving the life.
Panda has adjusted well and has turned into a very special kitten. She has had her troubles, though. She has not been an especially good eater and has shown very little interest in food. She appears to not even know when shes hungry.
Some sort of throat problem has been suspected. When eating she chokes or coughs then refuses to eat any more.
Panda would go everywhere with Penney when in her immediate care. The kitten shows no fear of people, dogs, stores, etc. Penney found it necessary but very easy to pack the small kitten with her. Theres something really very special about her-not that there isnt about all of them, says Penney, but spaying her mother would have prevented this. Keeping her mother inside and safe certainly would have prevented this-it would have saved TWO precious lives.
Because Panda was having some health problems, she went to stay in Chinook for awhile where she received some homeopathic treatments. Within a few days she made a remarkable turn around and was progressing so well that adoption was being contemplated.
Since she was in Chinook, Panda happened to be seen by someone there who fell in love with her just as everyone else has. So Kitty Keepers was asked for an adoption application.
The volunteers at Kitty Keepers had mixed feelings. Having become so attached to Panda, they really did not want to let go of her. Penney asked the tough questions What is better for her? A home of her own or living out her life in the sanctuary? Doesnt she deserve the chance of her own family?
The family will have a home visit as part of the application process and if approved will adopt Panda. She probably will get a new name but to all her first caretakers she will always be little Panda.
Have a safe and happy week with your companion critters. To write to Pawsitively Pets with stories about your pets, please send your correspondence to P.O. Box 1731, Havre, MT 59501.
