Kittens born outside always have a struggle, but when they are born prematurely, it takes extreme luck to make it. And if the mama cat abandons a preemie, every minute is critical. All the stars have to align for such a kitten to survive in this world.
Calico Cupid Preemies
Two teeny tiny preemies came into the world on the day of a Venus and Mars conjunction. Their mother cat immediately abandoned them, and a rescuer waited for hours to see if she would return. Unfortunately, she never did. By that evening, they were delivered to the hands of an experienced Winter Park, Florida, rescuer, Danielle.
“Cupid came and dropped me 2 little surprises,” she said.
Venus was so tiny. Images via Instagram/centralflfosters
As preemies, the neonates had underdeveloped facial features, naked legs, and ears. They were unbelievably tiny, and both had the prettiest orange, black, and white calico markings. With such a small amount of white, they appeared like tiny tigers with black stripes.
Sadly, even with expert care and a warm incubator, only Venus survived. Her sister Valentinas’ journey led across the rainbow. But we think she’ll always be watching lovingly over her sister.
Venus was the Tiniest Preemie Ever
Venus was the smallest premature kitten Danielle had ever seen. And she was one of the only calicos she’d cared for in eight years. But she was a tiny tiger, and had more than enough fight in her!
As with her other fosters, she was fortunate to take Venus to her pet-friendly workplace. There, at her computer desk, the kitten was dwarfed by the computer’s mouse.
Danielle held her breath for Venus, hoping she would survive. Each day was a celebration of the ‘little wins.’ She made it through another day, gained weight, and latched to her bottle. It was such a relief for everyone to see her begin to thrive!
Venus Purred at 4 Days Old!
The kitten was also premature in another way; she started purring at just four days old. Usually, kittens begin purring at three weeks! It felt like a sign Danielle was ‘doing something good’ and that Venus felt safe and loved, which she was. Maybe her sister was there giving her extra love too?
The kitten was always super-vocal. Even from inside the incubator, the tiny calico would create lots of drama!
“Is it me? Am I the drama? I don’t think I’m the drama!” – Venus, who is absolutely THE DRAMA ✨”
Video via Instagram/centralflfosters
Cutest Alien at the Office
Having a tiny fuzzy alien at the office was a welcome distraction. Even when Venus got into trouble, who could be mad at her? And who wouldn’t want to share an office with this cuteness?
“The Alien-Phase is by FAR my favorite 😍👽 not only are we going through some really cool developmental changes and milestones but seriously… that face. How can you be mad at that face? (Even if she did pee on our office manager earlier today 🤣🤣🤣,)” shared Central FL Fosters.
At work, Venus was a Chatty Cathy and didn’t mind interrupting Zoom calls for attention. But we’re pretty sure almost everyone loves that!
The Preemie Princess Needed More Time to ‘Cook’
As a preemie, Venus didn’t get enough time to ‘cook’ before coming into the world.
“When I have preemies, I always expect some level of developmental and growth delay. They didn’t ‘cook’ long enough in utero, so inevitably, they’re going to be delayed. The same goes for all mammals- including human preemies!’ Danielle explained.
It took nine weeks before Venus reached a pound, but she continued steadily making progress. In a few weeks, the size difference was ameowzing!
“When your cup runneth over… or in this case, your kitten runneth over thy cup 🤣☕️🐱 (Peep that glow up from a few weeks ago!!)”
Finally, at 114 days, the stars aligned. Venus was ready for a big milestone, spay surgery and then a new loving home! There were multiple applications for this one, owing to that unusual fur pattern. But it was Venus’ whole being that her new family appreciated.
“114 days of loving you ❤️🐱 Venus came to me cold, premature and with every odd stacked against her. Yet with a whole lotta love, a good chunk of science and medicine, and even more patience- she’s turned into a chatty, snuggly and super-loving kitten who is about to embark on her next adventure.”
Here’s Venus in her home via TikTok/raeven_the_raven. She’s gorgeous and will always be loved and cherished.
You can follow the foster babies’ and help support Dannielle at Southon Rescue on Instagram and TikTok.
Video by The Dodo about Venus:
