Washington, D.C. — Two tiny kittens, Poki and Appa, are defying the odds as they cheer each other on through their remarkable journey to recovery. The bonded siblings, rescued just days after birth, have faced mobility challenges but refuse to let anything slow them down.
A Rough Start
When foster carer Abby Meltzer received a call about a litter of newborn kittens in urgent need of care, she didn’t hesitate to step in. “I picked them up the same day. There were three of them, but sadly, one didn’t make it,” Meltzer told Love Meow.
Upon arrival, she noticed something unusual—the kittens struggled to move normally, relying mostly on their back legs to scoot while their front limbs remained immobile. Poki, the larger of the two, clung to his sister Appa for comfort, forming an inseparable bond from the start.
Fighting to Thrive
While Poki took to bottle-feeding quickly, Appa—the runt of the litter—required tube-feeding at first. Despite her small size, Appa proved to be bold and curious, eager to explore beyond her nest. “She may be the runt, but she’s ahead of the curve,” Meltzer said.
With round-the-clock care, including physical therapy sessions five times a day, the kittens gradually gained strength. By 1.5 weeks old, they began using their front paws, though their movements remained shaky.
Overcoming Flat-Chested Kitten Syndrome
As they grew, Meltzer observed that both kittens exhibited signs of Flat-Chested Kitten Syndrome (FCKS), a condition where the chest cavity is compressed, affecting breathing and mobility. While Appa’s case is mild and shouldn’t impact her long-term quality of life, Poki’s condition is more severe, requiring ongoing veterinary care.
That hasn’t stopped the determined duo. At three weeks old, they graduated to a playpen, where they wrestled, zoomed around, and fearlessly explored. “They were still wobbly at four weeks, but we kept encouraging them to climb and play,” Meltzer shared.
A Bond That Inspires
Now six weeks old, Poki and Appa have blossomed into spirited, adventurous kittens. Poki has mastered climbing, while Appa—though tiny—boasts a mighty voice, delivering everything from silent squeaks to full-throated “lion roars.”
Through every challenge, the siblings have remained each other’s biggest supporters. Whether scooting side by side or cuddling after playtime, their unshakable bond continues to inspire those around them.
Related topics:
