Kitten Barely Clinging to Life Gets a Second Chance After Being Rescued

Meet Rocky, a kitten that Dawn Firestone discovered in very rough shape. The poor feline had difficulties opening its eyes and its breathing was shallow and labored. Dawn then decided to save the cat, whom she promptly named Rocky, and took it upon herself to give Rocky a new chance at life. 

Early Doubts

There were many doubts surrounding Rocky’s first hours after rescue. As Dawn put it, he would gasp for air every 10-15 seconds. While doubtful and scared of whether or not Rocky will pull through, she promised herself and the kitten that if he survives, he’ll have the best life ever. 

Constant Care

She had to constantly trickle milk into Rocky’s mouth as he was in no condition to feed himself. It was a daunting and time-consuming task because kittens require frequent feeding. But soon, Rocky began showing improvement. 

Getting Better

The aptly named Rocky slowly but surely continued improving and gaining strength, showing Dawn that he is a fighter who never gives up! He started eating formula and wet food on his own, getting tons of it on his face. Everything was looking on the up and Dawn was sure that Rocky would be completely fine. 

Hidden Problem

While Rocky was generally better, Dawn noticed a problem. Rocky had difficulties putting weight on his hind legs and couldn’t walk properly because of it. Dawn took him to a neurologist and Rocky was x-rayed. 

An Unexpected Discovery

The results were disappointing. Rocky did not have any sensation in his tail and legs. The neurologist explained that Rocky would have trouble moving around as he grew, but there was a ray of hope. The kitten would still react to having its legs and tail gently squeezed!

Getting Over the Hurdle

The positive news motivated Dawn even further to do everything in her power to help Rocky live a happy and healthy life. She got her hands on a kitty wheelchair which would help Rocky build his leg muscles and make him feel like a normal cat that can play whenever it wants. 

Cautiously and Carefully

However, she had to be cautious because Rocky wasn’t used to using his legs constantly, and staying in the wheelchair for too long would become uncomfortable for him. Dawn hoped that frequent movement and play would help regenerate Rocky’s nerves so he could walk on all fours. 

Never Giving Up

Today, Rocky seems happily oblivious of the fact that his hind legs don’t really work as they should as he excitedly runs around in Dawn’s home for hours on end. Despite his physical and movement limitations, he acts like any other cat, sometimes even being naughty!

Rocky’s Hero

Dawn couldn’t be happier that this little fighter never gave up on himself, or her. Without her, Rocky would never have experienced life to the fullest. And he shows that appreciation daily by being the best cat Dawn could have gotten either. 

How is Rocky doing today?

Rocky never gained the ability to use his hind legs but he’s learned to move around without a wheelchair and is a healthy adult cat. Dawn even makes costumes for Rocky, such as the bottom half of a mermaid costume so the cat could look like a mermaid (or purrmaid, as she puts it). 

Follow Rocky’s Adventures

Check out Rocky’s ultimate video here. If you’d like to keep up with Rocky’s life and everyday adventures, you can visit Dawn’s Instagram page dedicated to the cat. Caution – Rocky is extremely cute and you may fall down the rabbit hole!

What Does Your Cat Think of You? This is How They Really Feel

What Does Your Cat Think of You? This is How They Really Feel