MSPCA-Angell Rallies Behind “Adorable but Very Ill” Kitten ahead of Valentine’s Day
BOSTON— Feb. 10, 2022– At just ten weeks old, “Nicholas” the kitten has already experienced his fair share of hardship. His heavily pregnant mom was found in a basement in Lowell before giving birth to him and four siblings last November. Shortly after his birth, the young tyke was brought to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm when his foster caretaker noticed he was struggling to breathe.
The shelter veterinary team discovered a scary diagnosis. Young Nicholas was suffering from a condition known as PPHD, or “Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia,” a congenital condition in which his diaphragm did not fully form in utero.
As a result, several of Nicholas’ abdominal organs are now lodged in his chest, making breathing a challenge.
Surgery on the Horizon
Nicholas’ condition is also placing tremendous pressure on both his lungs and heart. When he’s old enough, likely in April, he will undergo cardiac surgery at the MSPCA’s Angell Animal Medical Center.
“He’ll undergo more extensive diagnostics at Angell Animal Medical Center in the weeks ahead, and we’re hopeful that corrective surgery will ensure he recovers and lives a pain-free, normal life,” said Dr. Elisabeth Lynch, who performed the initial examination on Nicholas at the MSPCA at Nevins Farm.
Mom and Siblings Already in New Homes
As for Nicholas mom and his siblings, all of the cats have since been spayed and neutered and as of this writing, they have all been placed in adoptive homes.
Help Nicholas—and Pets Like Him
Nicholas’ procedure is expected to take place in April and because his medical bills will likely exceed $4,000, the MSPCA is asking donors to help offset the cost by donating at www.mspca.org/nicholas.
Mike Keiley, Director of Adoption Centers and Programs at the MSPCA-Angell is eager to get Nicholas out of danger and into a new home.
“He’s endured more than his share of challenges in such a short period of time, and I can’t wait until he’s old enough for this procedure which we’re confident will give him a normal life,” said Keiley. “We’re only able to meet the extensive medical needs of animals like Nicholas because of the generosity of donors, as well as the expertise of the [Angell] cardiology and surgery teams. I’m grateful to everyone involved in helping him,” he added.
How to Adopt
Nicholas is currently in foster care and will not be available for permanent adoption until he’s recovered from his surgery. The MSPCA-Angell will announce his availability in the coming weeks once his surgery date is confirmed and he begins his recuperation.