Street Survivor! Abandoned Bengal Defies Medical History with Help From Her Foster Mom

On the streets of Seattle, a small cardboard box held an extraordinary treasure – a beautiful Bengal kitten named Simba.

His striking spotted coat and innocent eyes belied the challenging journey that lay ahead of him.

Abandoned and alone, Simba’s story could have ended there, but fate had different plans for this remarkable feline.

When kind passersby discovered the abandoned kitten, they quickly brought him to the Tacoma Humane Society.

The shelter staff soon uncovered the heartbreaking reason behind his abandonment – Simba struggled with a rare medical condition affecting his ability to have normal bowel movements.

In the cruel calculus of the pet breeding industry, a Bengal kitten with health issues held little commercial value.

Rather than invest in the expensive medical care he needed, someone had chosen to discard him like unwanted cargo.

However, Simba’s guardian angel arrived in the form of Cindy, a dedicated foster caregiver who specializes in caring for cats with special needs.

Without hesitation, she opened her heart and home to the struggling kitten, marking the beginning of his transformation from abandoned pet to beloved family member.

Medical examinations revealed that Simba had been born with an extremely rare condition called hypoganglionosis – a disorder where missing nerve cells left his large colon essentially nonfunctional.

As his gastrointestinal system began to fail, it became clear that only a life-saving surgery to remove his large colon could give him a chance at survival.

While the surgery was successful, it marked just the beginning of Simba’s recovery journey.

Post-operative complications included irritated, reddened skin that required constant gentle attention, and chronic diarrhea necessitating regular baths, medication, and a carefully tailored diet.

“The occasional setbacks are emotionally taxing and can cause anxiety,” Cindy admits with characteristic honesty.

“But his veterinary team consistently affirms that his quality of life has never been poor.”

What makes Simba’s story even more extraordinary is its unprecedented nature in veterinary medicine.

With only one other documented case of feline hypoganglionosis – which sadly ended in euthanasia – Simba stands as the only known surviving cat with this condition.

“I did not adopt Simba, however, he will remain my special needs foster kitten for the foreseeable future who I adore and love dearly,” she added.

In the end, Simba’s story is more than the typical tale of pet rescue. Through it all, he remains an incredibly brave and resilient little warrior.

Simba’s indomitable spirit continues to shine, inspiring all who learn of his remarkable journey. 

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