Boston, MA – When a tiny, underdeveloped tortoiseshell kitten named Tortellini (affectionately called “Lini”) was brought to The Odd Cat Sanctuary, rescuers had no idea how far she would come. Despite being blind and initially deemed a “failure to thrive,” Lini has defied expectations, proving that with the right care, even the smallest fighters can flourish.
A Rocky Start
Lini, the runt of her litter, struggled from the beginning. Her first rescuer noticed she was weak, wobbly, and lagging behind in growth. After multiple vet visits—including an emergency clinic—she was told the kitten might not survive.
Refusing to accept that prognosis, the woman reached out to The Odd Cat Sanctuary, a Massachusetts-based rescue known for helping special-needs felines.
“We took her in immediately and rushed her to our emergency vet for testing,” the sanctuary told Love Meow. “She was off-balance but incredibly sweet and calm.”
A Shocking Diagnosis—and Hope
Vets discovered Lini was blind in both eyes and suffering from severely low calcium levels, which caused her seizures and unsteadiness. But rather than giving up, the sanctuary team started her on medication and round-the-clock care.
The difference was almost immediate.
A New Lease on Life
With treatment, Lini’s energy surged. She began exploring fearlessly, her appetite returned, and—most notably—she developed an insatiable love for cuddles. The tiny tortie insisted on burrowing into her foster mom’s shirt for warmth and security.
Now four months old, Lini weighs just 1.3 pounds—the size of a six-week-old kitten—but her personality is larger than life.
“She’s sassy, vocal, and loves eating, purring, and demanding attention,” her caregivers shared. “If she wants to be held, she’ll stand in front of you until you pick her up.”
A Spirited Survivor
Though blind, Lini navigates her world with confidence. She plays with noise-making toys, “wrestles” with her foster mom’s glasses, and even practices her skills on a unicorn plushie. Her rescuers say her “tortitude” (tortoiseshell cat attitude) shines through in everything she does.
Once written off as too frail to survive, Lini is now thriving in foster care, gaining weight, and charming everyone she meets.
“She’s a fighter,” the sanctuary said. “Every day, her personality blossoms more. She’s proof that with love and determination, even the toughest odds can be overcome.”
Lini will soon be ready for adoption, where she’s sure to bring joy—and a little sass—to her forever family.
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