Tango. It was an adorable kitten. Congratulations.!
Original Message:
Sent: 06-05-2025 10:00 AM
From: Courtney Ochs
Subject: June 2025 Giveaway: From Neonates to Feisty Felines - Share Your Kitten Stories!
I'd love to share with you all the journey we've been on this season with Tango! The TL:DR- we rescued her from an animal hospital that was minutes away from euthanizing her for possible CH. But that turned out not to be her diagnosis and now she's thriving! Full story below, and here's her progress video...it's a bit long but 100% worth the watch! https://youtube.com/shorts/Ai3FWdCpkl0
If guardian angels exist for kittens, Tango surely had one watching over her from the very start.
She came from a known cat colony in Phoenix's West Valley, where a kind-hearted caregiver kept a close eye on the community. He understood the importance of keeping kittens with their mothers until they were old enough to be safely altered and adopted out. But when he noticed one tiny kitten failing to thrive-shaking, frail, and clearly unwell-he did the compassionate thing and brought her to a local animal hospital.
Unfortunately, Tango's needs were beyond what the clinic could handle, and without the resources to provide intensive care, she was surrendered. That's when we got the call-a last-minute plea to help a kitten who might not make it through the night. We watched the video of her trembling in distress and knew we had to say yes.
When we met Tango, she was only about four weeks old and barely weighed 250 grams-half of what a healthy kitten her age should weigh. She was skin and bones, every vertebra in her spine visible. She had severe tremors, couldn't stand or walk, and had to be syringe-fed. Even the litter box was out of reach for her. We were deeply worried about her prognosis, but we committed to her fully. We named her Tango-a nod to her unsteady but determined movements, as though she was dancing through the hardship.
We shared a video of her in veterinary and kitten care communities, hoping for insight. Almost immediately, responses came flooding in. Her symptoms didn't look like cerebellar hypoplasia, as we initially suspected. The consensus was striking-many believed she might be suffering from toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that can wreak havoc on a kitten's developing nervous system if left untreated.
Due to her tiny size, her bloodwork couldn't confirm the diagnosis reliably, but our vet decided to begin treatment immediately. She was started on medication for toxoplasmosis and received an intensive supportive care regimen: subcutaneous fluids, B12 injections, electrolyte support, specially prepared food, a modified litter box, and even a custom stand to help her stay upright while eating.
Little by little, Tango began to improve.
Every day, we recorded her progress. Watching the compilation now is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The fragile, trembling kitten we once feared wouldn't survive is now a playful, confident whirlwind of joy. Her once-gaunt face is now round and full of life. Her belly is soft and plump. She runs, plays, uses the litter box, and even her meow has transformed-from a weak, scratchy cry to a sweet, vibrant chirp.
This was our first time treating a kitten with suspected toxoplasmosis-and thanks to Tango, we've gained knowledge, experience, and a whole lot of hope. Her journey reminds us why we do what we do, and how even the smallest lives can have the biggest impact.
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Courtney Ochs
Foster
Newborn Kitten Rescue
AZ
Original Message:
Sent: 06-01-2025 07:07 AM
From: Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
Subject: June 2025 Giveaway: From Neonates to Feisty Felines - Share Your Kitten Stories!
Kitten season doesn't wait for a calendar, and it's already here for many of you, bringing a wave of whiskers, tiny chaos, and late-night feedings. All across the country, shelters and rescues are experiencing the annual surge of kittens in need of care, from neonatal bottle babies to playful fluffballs ready for adoption. Yes, it's a season full of challenges, but also one overflowing with opportunity, compassion, and lots and lots of meowing. This month, we want to take a moment to celebrate the small but mighty victories that happen every day during kitten season.
🐱 To participate in this month's giveaway, tell us about a kitten (or litter!) that has made an impact on you! Whether it was a foster win, a joyful adoption, or a spicy cat turned into a socialized mouser, share the story in the comments below. Feel free to include before-and-after photos of the kittens or a sweet moment from foster care or adoption! 🐱
By sharing your story this June, you'll be automatically entered into our giveaway for a $1,000 CUDDLY prize pack to support the kittens (or other pets) in your care. One winner will be randomly selected and announced at the beginning of next month. You'll also be eligible to win a $3,000 grant for participating in Maddie's Pet Forum.
📚 Kitten Season Resources Are Here To Help
Explore these resources to help you save time, reduce stress, and make the most of your team's efforts this kitten season. Have a kitten season hack you'd like to share? Please put it in the comments!
Courses & Webcast Recordings
For Older Cats
Weigh In On These Forum Discussions
🔙 A Look Back: The Million Cat Challenge
With key initiatives of alternatives to intake, removing barriers to adoption, managed admission, return to field, and capacity for care, the Million Cat Challenge changed the game for feline sheltering across North America.
In January 2022, Million Cat Challenge became Maddie's® Million Pet Challenge as they were awarded with an additional five-year $7.4 million grant from Maddie's Fund.
The Million Cat Challenge campaign's momentum continues today through Maddie's® Million Pet Challenge, powered by the University of California (UC) Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program, the Maddie's® Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida (UF), Open Door Veterinary Collective, and Team Shelter USA. These experts deploy to communities across the country to offer free consultations to shelters and veterinary clinics on how to keep pets with their families and out of shelters, as well as teaching veterinary clinics a financially sustainable model that removes cost as a barrier to providing pets with needed veterinary care. Maddie's® Million Pet Challenge builds on the work to ensure the Right Care, in the Right Place, at the Right Time, with the Right Outcome for every pet.
#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
#CommunityCatManagement
#FosterPrograms
#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)
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Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
Maddie's Fund
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