DEKALB, IL — The Dekalb Humane Society (DHS) is no stranger to animals in need, but their latest rescue—a scruffy, disheveled kitten named Sewer Rat—has captured hearts with his unusual appearance and resilient spirit.
Found alone in a trailer park, the approximately 7-week-old kitten was in rough shape when rescuers brought him in. His patchy fur and frazzled demeanor prompted DHS to humorously describe him on Facebook as a creature that “crawled out of a haunted crawlspace.” But behind his unkempt exterior was a serious medical issue: a severe case of ringworm, a contagious fungal infection affecting his skin and fur.
“He was completely alone and in really rough shape when he came to us,” said Teresa Feightner, DHS’s director. “Despite how uncomfortable it must be, he’s been handling it like a champ.”
A Sweet Spirit Behind the Scruff
Despite his condition, Sewer Rat’s personality shines. Described as a “little angel” by Feightner, the kitten loves curling up for naps and has charmed staff with his gentle, affectionate nature.
“His foster says he loves to curl up on your chest to nap, and he’s surprisingly sweet for a kitten going through so much,” Feightner said. “He’s gentle, resilient, and weirdly charming. Everyone here is totally smitten.”
Searching for a Forever Home
Currently in foster care, Sewer Rat requires ongoing treatment for his ringworm before he can be neutered and adopted. DHS is looking for a patient adopter who isn’t deterred by his medical needs—someone with a spare room to keep him isolated during recovery.
“We know Sewer Rat isn’t everyone’s type,” DHS wrote on Facebook. “He’s patchy. He’s fungal. He’s got that ‘I just woke up in a ditch’ energy. But he’s also healing, sweet, playful, and so much closer to being okay.”
The shelter hopes his viral fame will raise awareness for other pets with medical challenges.
“We’ve had a huge response to Sewer Rat,” Feightner said. “While he’s won people over with his crusty little gremlin charm, we hope this attention also highlights that cats with medical needs are still deeply worthy of love.”
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