When Meo, a tuxedo kitten, was born in an animal shelter, her future was uncertain. As the sole survivor of her litter, she spent her early weeks confined to a kennel due to limited resources. But when shelter staff noticed her deteriorating health, they reached out for help—and one woman stepped in to change her life.
A Desperate Fight for Survival
At just six weeks old, Meo weighed a mere 230 grams—barely a third of the expected weight for her age. Weak, emaciated, and struggling to walk, her condition was dire.
“She was very wobbly, and her hind legs splayed out when she tried to move,” said Megyn, president of the Critical Kitten Care Fund, who took Meo in. A veterinary examination suggested her mobility issues stemmed from severe malnourishment and low muscle tone.
A Journey of Recovery
In Megyn’s care, Meo began her remarkable turnaround. Too weak to eat on her own due to congenital cataracts, she relied on hand-feeding at first. “Once she was eating well, she quickly rebounded,” Megyn told Love Meow.
The tiny kitten spent her first week curled in Megyn’s arms, regaining strength. Soon, her progress was undeniable. “She went from not being able to walk to running in less than a week,” Megyn said.
Overcoming Obstacles with Determination
Despite her limited vision, Meo adapted brilliantly, using her sharp hearing to navigate. She followed Megyn around like a duckling, her legs growing stronger each day. “Once she gained enough muscle mass, she was running and playing like a kitten should,” Megyn shared.
By eight weeks old, Meo hit a major milestone—reaching one pound in weight. She even mastered stairs, a challenge for a visually impaired kitten. “Going up is easier than going down for her, but after weeks of practice, she’s finally getting the hang of it,” Megyn said.
A Loving, Playful Spirit
Now four months old, Meo has blossomed into an energetic, affectionate cat. “She purred the instant I pet her when she was 230 grams and hasn’t stopped since,” Megyn said. “She has such a zest for life.”
Though she adores playing with noisy toys, her favorite pastime remains cuddling. “Meo loves people more than anything and will fall asleep in the middle of play if she’s near a human,” Megyn explained. “Some pets have blankets or stuffed toys—Meo has her people.”
Reflecting on Meo’s journey, Megyn expressed gratitude: “From severe emaciation to a healthy weight, she’s been so resilient. No matter how big she gets, I hope she’ll always be someone’s baby.”
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