Larkin was found with his seven siblings underneath a bush in the pouring rain. They were frozen solid, and thought to be dead.
All of seven of Larkin's siblings passed away within the first few days of foster care. His story is a reminder that we can do everything right, with all of the tools we have available to us, and still lose kittens. It is a reminder that we must continue to do research, to ask questions, to collaborate, and to support each other if we are to be better equipped to help kittens like Larkin.
Larkin struggled with a decreased appetite and poor weight gain during the first few weeks of his life. He required intermittent tube feedings, and fluids to get better. He also developed respiratory congestion, and was placed on medications to help his lungs recover. Two weeks ago, we found an amazing adopted brother from Friends of Madera Animal Shelter that we were able to pair Larkin with, after determining that both kittens were healthy. I feel strongly that, when possible, it is important for young kittens to grow up with a sibling for socialization purposes. Larkin has thoroughly enjoyed having a brother to cuddle, wrestle with, and love.
After over a month in foster care, Larkin has blossomed into an absolutely beautiful little boy. He is currently over a pound in weight, and drinks about 20ml of formula every few hours. Later this week, we will begin the weaning process, and in just a few weeks, he will be looking for his forever home! He would do well in a home that has plenty of time to give him the love and attention he needs. He is a "lap cat" through and through. He would prefer to be someone's cuddle buddy, to be allowed to sleep in bed with you, and to have some fur friend siblings. He is outgoing and playful, and would be an amazing addition to a family.
Larkin is a survivor, and he has ignited a desire within me to pass my skills on to other foster parents. I have begun teaching a series of neonatal kitten workshops to fosters and the general public alike. I feel that the more we can support and educate one another, the more our community will feel prepared for kittens like Larkin.
When I started fostering, there were very few resources out there for new foster parents. I felt like I was shooting the dark, and I lost kittens. It was difficult to feel that my care was inadequate, or not enough. I don't want any other foster parent to have to feel that way. I have therefore been teaching the basics of bottle feeding, tube feeding and fluid therapy to anyone who wishes to learn. I also offer my contact information out to other fosters, for advice and consolation. We each deserve to be a part of a supportive, understanding community. This field of medicine is rapidly growing and improving, and I am so grateful to be surrounded by like minded individuals, who believe that these tiny lives have value, and are worthy of being saved.
Our next neonatal kitten workshop will be held on Saturday April 20th from 10am-12pm at the Cameron Training Facility in Woodland, CA. 140 Tony Diaz Drive, Woodland, CA. All are welcome to attend and no experience is needed. To help supply our workshop with the necessary tools, check our Amazon Wishlist for items labeled "workshop." We aim to send every interested foster parent home with bottles, syringes, nipples, feeding tubes, a toothbrush and condensed feeding/aging charts. https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1U2KCCXPKIAH7?ref_=wl_share
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