A tiny kitten who needs critical lifesaving care has recently been rescued by Gables Dogs and Cats Home.
Fun-Sized Freddo is the sole survivor of his litter, as his three siblings sadly died as a result of a massive flea infestation. Although he is more than a month old, he weighs less than a two week old kitten and is severely emaciated and dehydrated due to the infestation of fleas. The charity were contacted by a local vet to ask if they would take this poor little boy into their care to try to save his life and they agreed as they knew they could give him a fighting chance.
Even though Fun-Sized Freddo received treatment for fleas at the vets prior to arriving at Gables, he still had over 100 blood-sucking fleas on him, as they take a while to die off. The charity’s general manager Claire Sparkes took him home to provide the specialist 24 hour care he desperately needed. Claire initially spent several hours meticulously removing the fleas from his scrawny body to try to reduce their burden on him.
For the last two weeks Fun-sized Freddo has precariously clung to life despite only weighing 160g, the equivalent weight of an avocado. Claire has been feeding him specialist kitten milk every hour, including all through the night. Despite the devoted care he has received, he remained at this dangerously low weight for 10 worrying days. However the charity’s dedication has paid off as he is starting to eat small amounts of specialist kitten solid food and has gained a small amount of weight. The charity are hopeful that with this round-the-clock love and support he will survive.
General manager Claire said:
“When we were approached to help Fun-Sized Freddo we just had to give him the best possible chance at life. As the only survivor of his litter we owe it to him to help him succeed in his fight for survival, as he has already proven to us that he has a strong desire to live. It is so frustrating to see animals suffer like this when it is so easily preventable with basic vet care such as flea and worm prevention treatments. We are determined to help him recover and gain weight so he can go on to live a happy and healthy life. We would be so grateful for any help that our fantastic supporters can give towards the cost of his treatment and care.”
It is estimated it will cost Gables an additional £600 for all the lifesaving nutrition, expert veterinary treatment and 24 hour care that Fun-Sized Freddo will need to save his life. If Gables is lucky enough to raise
Anyone wanting to help ease Gables financial burden can make a contribution to ‘Fun-Sized Freddo’s Vet Appeal’, call 01752 331602 or visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/funsizedfreddo to donate online.
