Back when they started giving soldiers body armor, more and more soldiers came home from war with more complex injuries. It wasn't that the armor was causing the soldiers to get injured, it was that fewer soldiers were dying of injury on the battlefield. The soldiers were surviving.
The same is true in humans. People wring their hands about how we’re getting less healthy as a species because rare medical conditions are showing up in greater numbers but it’s just that we’re getting better at taking care of people and animals.
Well people with those medical conditions are surviving to reproduce which could make them more common in the population. In the past they would die young bc we didn’t know how to treat them.
I also currently have a foster kitten named Kale! My goal is to be a veterinary surgeon, so I learn a lot from these videos. Another goal is to not euthanize any animals who have a chance at survival with a little love and or medical care, they all deserve a shot at life.
When I see this topic come up, about whether it is "worthwhile" saving such an animal, I am reminded of a favourite poem, called The Starfish Poem. Once upon a time there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. One day he was walking along the shore. As he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day. So he began to walk faster to catch up. As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man and the young man wasn't dancing, but instead he was reaching down to the shore, picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean. As he got closer he called out, "Good morning! What are you doing?" The young man paused, looked up and replied, "Throwing starfish in the ocean." "I guess I should have asked, why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?" "The sun is up and the tide is going out. And if I don't throw them in they'll die." "But, young man, don't you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it. You can't possibly make a difference!" The young man listened politely. Then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves and said- "It made a difference for that one." P.s. Great video!
@Nick Bissell, Thanks for that! I have a piece of thick glass that has a short version of that poem etched into it. When I saw it at a second-hand store I had to have it! I display it on a polished wooden platform__one of my favorite 'things'! 💎 Debra Cisneros, HHP 🙏😇✨💫🌱🌿🐝🌻🌳🌍💖🙌🙌🙌😺
As someone who recues neonatal kittens, I think part of the "fading kitten syndrome" and "failure to thrive" are somewhat comforting phrases. Because if you foster neonates, you're going to lose them occasionally. And for most of us, that causes a lot of guilt. It helps us to tell ourselves that we did everything we could, but that sometimes isn't enough. It's almost too much to bear to know that if you just a little more knowledge, or tried a little bit harder, you could have saved that baby. Until rescues are funded the way they should be, and vets are willing to provide treatment to neonates, rescuers just have to do the best they can, and be able to understand that whatever we're doing is enough (even if it really isn't). Losing a baby can be so discouraging.
I can tell you really are feeling this. Stay strong - or take a break! Sounds like you care so much and the more you do, sadly the more you may lose. Just like that there really aren't more kittens with health issues, there are just more people noticing. Be careful and kind to yourself. You are already doing more than most.
Feral kittens don’t have a chance with congenital back on the farm. For one thing it can be really hard to find where mama hid them. Trap & neuter is catching on even on farms so you really are reaching a broad population.
You have helped raise so much awareness in the kitten rescue community about how to diagnose and treat so many different issues! Like you said, it’s not that there are more kittens being born with these conditions, it’s that we are much more aware of them now, and you are a major part of this!! ♥️
I have a kitten with pectus excevatum. She has to get surgery too but the vets here in Germany want to wait until she is older. She has difficulties breathing and eating. I don't know what to do.
I hope you're able to find the help you need! In my experience (and according to my vets here in the states) surgery is most successful when the kitten is still very young. Spinach had surgery at 3 weeks, and Kale had surgery at about five weeks originally. You can read more about that here: www.kittenlady.org/pectus -- best of luck!
Definitely try to get another opinion, I also know a lot of vets in Germany don't do spaying/neutering until like 6 months of age for a number of reasons, one being that many don't have the experience to perform surgery on smaller kittens. Maybe you can find someone who has more experience in that matter & can help you :(
@@soulcatcher_pajome That they dont spay until 6 months is a good thing imo. But they doo reccoment this only if you agree that your kitten wont be outside and that there are only females or nutered male around them. If not immediately necessary why get them in surgery so young?
My 15 year old boy had this surgery as a kitten. I took him to the University of Missouri veterinary teaching hospital. I’m so pleased with the outcome. I like to think we helped pave the way for kittens like Spinach and Kale.
Kitten Academy (channel here on YT who live stream their foster kittens) currently have a kitten who had his PE surgery a month ago and is now doing great and about to be adopted. It is great that these kittens are given a chance of a healthy life.
Hannah, you are definitely a huge player in changing neonatal kitten medical care. It is so incredible and an honor to watch. Orphan Kitten Club is funding treatments and proving they work to save lives. ❤️
One of my kitten born with flat chested kitten syndrom (pectus excavatum) and swimmer syndrome. We noticed it when he can't walk even tho he already 4 weeks old. So we took him to vet who specialize in physiotherapy. The chest aren't really bad and the risk of operating is quite high, so the vet and us just do some physiotherapy on him for the chest and legs. After couple weeks he already walking confidently! And after 2 months his ribs aren't flatten anymore, but his ribs size are still kinda small. When we did his booster shots of vaccine, we and the vet decided to take xray photo of his chest. And surprise, his heart are on the right side! The lungs also smaller than normal. But still he is now 4 months old and thriving! Very active, playful, and love to eat 🥰 We plan to do heart USG on his 6 months and keep maintaining his condition thru regular checks up 💕
Kale is seriously one of my favourite kittens you’ve ever fostered, not only is she brave but she also just has this really appealing happy vibe to her, she always makes me smile 😃🥬💖
i wish i could adopt Kale but i don’t have another cat at home, i live 8 hours away, and my mom doesn’t allow it. not even fostering. i do have chickens though!! they come inside when it gets too hot but we have to keep them in a small spot but it’s a lot better than outside. i’ve never felt so much love for one of your foster kittens 🤷🏻♀️
Hi Hannah. Thank you so much for posting this. Today I just lost one of my fosters due to an undiagnosed medical reason and it was heartbreaking and frustrating. We still don't know what happened and it was possible that she was neurologically impaired and didn't show symptoms til recently and unfortunately her health depleted extremely quickly and she could not be saved. I've learnt a lot from you and continue to research to learn more everyday so thank you for always spreading knowledge.
I'm so sorry for your loss and know you tried everything. Watching Hannah's videos are some of the best ways to stay in touch with the newest interventions that are out for kittens. Take care of yourself.
My babies had upper respiratory tract disease and the breeders put them away because they didn't know what it could be and decided that they could never be healthy >.> They had already lost 2 babies (out of 10) and were willing to euthanise the babies themselves if they wouldn't get picked up within a week. Very glad I could rescue them before they put them down (I don't even want to think about the how). All six adopted kittens are happy and healthy in their new homes! The the 'ugliest baby' that didn't go for adoption due to cosmetic differences and her best friend / sister are a little small for their age, but thriving within my household even with a scarred (perfect vision) eye and kinked tail. It's all based on misconception and uneducated people! Your videos make me sooo happy because you give every little kitten (and animal for that matter) a chance even the ones that look different or ARE different
There is a stray cat behind my work that is impossible to catch and she keeps having more kittens. Out of the 2 kittens she had last year, one had a congenital heart defect. She had 3 kittens in February who I am fostering (I fell in love with one and am keeping him though) and I am worried about them also having heart conditions but show no symptoms and the vet check ups have all been good. That same cat is pregnant again and will be giving birth soon. I will be fostering those as well and hope they will all be healthy. (Btw, before I get yelled at, we’ve hired people to catch the cats in the cat colony and every other one of the 15 or so cats have been caught and fixed. Multiple professionals have failed to catch this one so I watch her and take the babies when they are about 6 weeks old).
Perseverance will catch Ms. Crafty Cat, the unrepentant kitten machine! I hope you or co-workers eventually TNT her. Thanks for your good deeds, and best of luck.
@@boomer1954ful Yes, we have not given up! A co-worker (the other person who loves the cats there like I do) actually just called me saying he got his hands on a trap so if she has not given birth over the weekend we are going to try to catch her tomorrow and if successful she will give birth in my home and be fixed before rejoining her colony. We are hopeful this time. 🤞 Thank you for the kind words! Be well! ❤️
In humans, pectus excavatum is actually common (1:40-400 people). Probably similar rates in cats. Although many may not be severe enough to require surgery so may also fly under the radar.
Great video. We have noticed the decline in health with cats in CA. Neurological and respiratory problems. We have also noticed litters are averaging only 3 kittens at a time. We're wondering if it's the water and junk in the air. We recently saved 1 kitten of 3. They had/have respiratory issues. If it weren't for your videos our little Sonny wouldn't be here. He's going strong 2 months now. I hope our other rescues will eventually except him in our home too. 🙏🏼 thank you SO much! We have rescued 2 cats, 1 dog, 2 parakeets and 2 fish. We feed several outside ferrell cats.
She's thriving because she has a solid foundation of love. You can tell by watching this video how loved these babies are. They are absolutely confident in your love for them. So they're not worried or scared even a little bit. It is really heart warming to watch. Thank you.
It's actually pronounced pectus excaVAHtum. You seem like the kind of person who would want to know that. Thank you for all you do! I start every day with your calendar - what an amazing way to start the day!
Personally I think it's more that the vets and shelters are getting to know that you have to attitude and skills to care for kittens with these issues. As such, you're getting tapped on the shoulder first up.
I spent several thousand dollars on my little guy in the first week of having him. He was 5 months at the time. We celebrated his 1st birthday in May. He’s happy and thriving 💕
My grandparents had a puppy born with a badly shaped chest and I really wanted to take him to the vet but my grandma said there was nothing you could do and wouldn’t let me. Apparently she’d seen other puppies like this before but I thought he had a chance at living so I took special care of him and he survived until he was 8 weeks and 5 days. I wish this had come out for years ago so that maybe I could of convinced my grandparents to take him to the vet. I will never forget Chara and I hope he is tracking rabbits in the sky.
Sometimes past experiences keep you from trying something new. I hope you are doing okay, and thank you for sharing your experience. May we learn to not let our experiences hold us back.
@@alisa9040 Thank you for reminding me to never let something bad hold me back. Also thank you for your concern time heals most wounds and I will always have a tattoo of his paw print to remind me of the short time we had together.
Thank you so much for your video. I foster rescues and have had hundreds of neonatal kittens come through my home and am proud to say I've never lost one.
Thank you so much for everything you do... not just for the little fur babies with razors on their paws....:) You also educate us at the same time, in normal basic language that anyone that can understand. Im older now, and injured, so unable to work. I would do anything to be able to become a foster mum to cats. I have 2 rescues myself. One young and she just blossomed into the cheekiest and most amazing cat ever. The second was a 10yo extra furry, black panther. He was so scared, he didnt come out from under the bed for over 2 months and flinched every time we would pet him. A year down the track and he now plays like a kitten and OH WOW ...all he needs to hear the the brush come out and he comes running, meowing in his tiny meow (he is huge by the way, and a black cloud persian). I so want to be a foster, but I just dont know where to even start. To be able to do for other mini panthers what we have done with Tuppence and Jet...would be my idea of heaven. So ...after that novel...the story to this is...You are an inspiration and you reach people all over the world. Thank you!
So appreciate how you've educated us over the years and advocated for kittens and spay/neuter. I'm currently a foster mom for Tiny Tim, a 9-week-old pectus excavatum kitten in NC. I'm reaching out in a kind of desperate way, I know, but if your vet could talk by phone with the vet I foster for, I'd be so so appreciative. I've been posting public photos and videos of Tiny "Tuff" Tim on my Facebook page. He is a kitten with a huge affectionate spirit and drive. I know you're inundated with requests for help (believe me, I get it -- in my small pond, we are against a tidal wave), but if you can offer any advice, I'll be grateful. He had surgery, but still has labored breathing. This condition is new to us.
You’re such an inspiration, Hannah! I’ve been fostering for 2 years so far and your videos always give me a feeling of accomplishment. Because sometimes I just feel like I’m not doing enough to help kittens and cats you know? Anyways! Thank you so much for all that you do. Your videos are always educational and inspiring to me. You truly make the world a brighter place for our furry friends :)
My boy is nearly 6, got him from an old flat mate who found him with his (cat)mum, brothers, and sisters under their porch. He was 6-7 weeks. His eyes were still blue when I got him. The winter after he turned 3 he got a Crystal blockage in his urethra, which he got emergency 3a.m surgery to remove. 6 weeks later he got another blockage, to which my vet tried to convince me to put him down, stating it would be cruel to keep him alive for this to keep happening. I absolutely refused. They performed the surgery again, all my savings is gone to the vet at this point. They diagnosed him with LUTD(Lower Urinary Tract Disease). I did every bit of research on the disease and found the number one cause of urine crystalisation is a dry food diet because dry food is only 3% moisture, and cats meals should consist of AT LEAST 70% moisture, which is wet food. The dry food causes the PH of the urine to become alkaline, which causes crytalisation. After banning dry food from my house entirely, my boy is the healthiest and happiest he’s ever been. He hasn’t had a blockage since. He’s had a few treatable UTI’s, but NO life threatening blockages since wet food only.
Knowing this situation happens most often to male cats, I've switched our cats to wet food mixed with a tiny bit of the dry food they love - or the stinkers won't eat it. I've tried leaving it out - which after a few bites get me "the look." Also lots of fresh water out in cat friendly bowls. As this is even more of an issue for older male cats, it's best to start off with a good quality wet food. Congratulations and great job not giving up! Your boy is lucky to have a companion like you.
@@alicecain4851 thank you so much. I’ve got 2 real kids and my animals are just as important to me. I’d be in the hospital at 3 a.m with my child or my cat. My boy eats Fancy Feast or Tiki(think we only have this in Australia) wet food, and he gobbles it up in seconds. I’m grateful I don’t have to trick him or try watering down dry.
I’ve been watching your channel from the beginning and I absolutely love what you do for these precious, helpless, sweet little angels! You’re an angel ❤️
Thank you so much for all your kitten videos Hannah! After learning how simple and life changing foster care can be from your videos i was able to convince my parents to let me foster in my holidays and we are in the process of signing up. I couldn't have done it without all the support and information your channel provides so thank you xxx
I have watched your videos for a long time. All of my cats have found me. I love the little critters and I very much appreciate all of the love and effort you put into them.
We now have a kitten that was born without a gallbladder. This is the first time we have seen this. Thanks to an amazing foster mom Flint has survived and thrived in his own way. We now have a amazing donor that gave us the finances to diagnose and see specialist. Keep little flint in your thoughts this week as he is seeing the specialists. South Africa 🇿🇦
BLESSINGS to you and the DOCTORS For giving Spinach and Kale a second chance at life , they are both Little DARLINGS. I pray for them That they will always be surrounded by love, Care, and Kindness, Amen. 🐈
I have a rescue kitten with Cerebellar Hypoplasia (wobbly kitty) and she is the sweetest baby. I’m so glad I found her, even if she bunny kicks my arms with her claws. She’s perfectly healthy, just struggles with balance 🥰
Since we are talking about medical conditions, my last two litters of kittens have had diseases, both having to go back to her shelter in 24 hours or less. One of the diseases were panlukopemia ( I know I spelled it wrong) and my recent one was lice.
I adopted my girl from a shelter and a couple of months later she was diagnosed with a luxating patella. At 10 months old she was also diagnosed with immune-mediated neutropenia and myelodysplastic syndrome. I’ve spent thousands so far on her medical care, but she’s definitely worth it! She’s such a fighter. 💗
I would say yes there are more for an unfortunate reason- people breeding for traits instead of breeding for health. I am not talking more in the last 2 decades but more overall from when people started breeding cats. I am in a few online groups and people get super excited about "extra beans" (polydactylism) unfortunately these people are breeding for this because of cute and "harmless" it seems. Forgetting that where you find one birth defect you will often find others.
The more of these procedures are done and the more research and knowledge and practice for veterinarians everywhere, the more available, trustworthy and cheaper they will be. This is a wonderful investment for the future.
Or ... are we just hearing about them more because people like yourself are intervening and helping these little ones survive? My bet's on that one. :)
So sad we live so far away in germany :( My wife and i would love to offer Kale a loving and peaceful forever home. What a sweet and cute little girl :) Thx for your great work! Every new "kitten-lady" video is a must watch :-) You saved so many lifes Hehe and that golden cat toy survived the video
This channel is so cool. Thank you for doing the work you do! You are making such a difference in the world by doing this kind of education and fostering! Love it!!
Absolutely!!! I just finished fostering my first litter and I will definitely do it again soon!! Yay kitten fostering!!! Go, Fight, Win!!!!! 😆☺️😆 Edit: Just have to mention, it was this channel that inspired me!! ❤️😺❤️
(Off-Topic) Kitten Lady, your microphone audio isn't picking up properly for the recording. We're hearing ambient room sound instead of miked directly into the recording audio. This is probably something simple like changing your audio input source in your audio/video recording software. I noticed it on the previous video from a couple of weeks ago too, since moving into your new home. -- You and your partner do a wonderful job. Keep up the good work. You are a big help and an inspiration. I love that you are so practical and creative and always thinking about how to do better. The advice you give us viewers and the help you give those kittens, and the kittens your viewers help, is invaluable. Thank you always.
Haha, I loved the punk / metal rock there for the kitten zooming around playing like a while child. :) Awesome! (Now I wonder if she has an later ego with a dyed mohawk and punk outfit and tattoos and a cattitude! :D army boots? Maybe she'd wear that chain? Haha, anyway, I loved it. -- And she is terrific. -- I hope someone great gets little Elvis. I currently have a ~9 month old spayed kitten, nearly grown, and I hope I can move soon. My senior kitty had to cross the rainbow bridge a few weeks ago due to increasing health problems. Elvis is wonderful and really speaks to me, but I think I have to wait a while before I can adopt, so it'll likely be from a local shelter, if a stray doesn't show up here or when I move. Hug Elvis and the others, please. They are super, and Elvis seems so amazing.
This reminds me of the argument that people have that’s “well we didn’t have (insert mental illness or disability here) in my day!” Well yes you actually did those people just went undiagnosed and without help or aid they didn’t just Appear out of thin air. Kittens aren’t magically being born with more conditions, they’re just surviving them now
I've experienced so many litters growing up with kittens which have to pass dealing with congenital conditions. My parents are the kind to never bother diagnosing "just" a kitten 😢😭 RIP to those babies they remain in my brain ❤ The video definitely made me feel better about animals who are born sick. Thanks :)
Angel babies forever ❤️ I’m on my second rescue kitten, I lost my first angel. He was really sick when I found him and I nursed him back to better health, all the sudden he got worse overnight again. couldn’t even hold up his own head or walk anymore, was throwing up the formula I was feeding him. Took him to the vet and they said there was nothing we could do, not every sick baby can be healed 😭❤️ but my new rescue is also a little goofy, look up wobbly kitty syndrome to smile ❤️
Awww i had pectum excavatum and i also needed surgery, i think i missed the kitten last year that had it, i had my surgery about 4 years ago! When i was 16😅
So wonderful to see you with your beautiful kittens and cats. I have been a cat lover since a child. I am an animal lover, such gifts from God! Keep up your good work, you are an inspiration! God bless!🙂
The old saying prevention is better than cure comes to mind when seeing this. I prevented 4 or 5 unwanted pregnancies by cats that were not mine for people who couldn’t or wouldn’t do it otherwise.I never regretted it even when one cost me $200, he runs loose but can’t bring any children into the world. Please offer to jump in and help and if you want to see animal tragedies end, this is an effective way to do it.
I recently adopted a kitten and I think she has the same condition as Kale, the vet said she might not need surgery cuz it’s not very severe, but I can’t help to worry, kiwi my kitten is very playful and affectionate, she is growing too.
I want Kale so badly, but *glances at my orange girl who would prefer to be an only cat, yet has a brother, her littermate*... I can't. Much love to Kale, and kittens like her.
Back when they started giving soldiers body armor, more and more soldiers came home from war with more complex injuries. It wasn't that the armor was causing the soldiers to get injured, it was that fewer soldiers were dying of injury on the battlefield. The soldiers were surviving.
+
Source?
Wow i did not know that!
@@joannaszulc1496 bruh. lmao
@@joannaszulc1496 you dont need a source its called common sense. Go search it up then
The heavy metal sequences were freaking adorable!
Ikr
I thought so too. I kept saying " She's a Killah!!!!"
Larger sample pool, more awareness is basically the answer.
Exactly what I was thinking before even clicking the vid
I never would have known, she looks completely normal when she plays
It’s like when people ask why autism is more common now… it isn’t, diagnoses are. And rock on, Kale! Play your lil heart out
Hey, exactly what I just said as well, awesome!
No. There are no autism in older populations. We don't see 80 year olds flailing their hands.
@@flyandshy00 wow, you don’t know shit about autism huh
@@flyandshy00 Ignorance has a cure. Maybe you should close your mouth and open your eyes instead.
@@flyandshy00 maybe because they were beaten and bullied if they did. So they learned to stop or hide it.
“Kale had surgery a couple days ago”
Kale: *bunny kicks and somersaults*
Just so you know, it's spelled "somersaults" 😆 Yeah it's a weird word
@@laneatkinson6441 I literally never knew that lololololololol thank you 😹
😂 lol
Loll
this vid reminds me of hank she was super lucky
The same is true in humans. People wring their hands about how we’re getting less healthy as a species because rare medical conditions are showing up in greater numbers but it’s just that we’re getting better at taking care of people and animals.
There's some truth to that: Overusage of antibiotics has lead to an increase in resistant bacterial infections
@@emisor9272 true though completely unrelated to what I said
@@emisor9272 true but we don’t die from diahrrea any more so the original statement that we get less healthy is wrong
Well people with those medical conditions are surviving to reproduce which could make them more common in the population. In the past they would die young bc we didn’t know how to treat them.
@@juliac3933 yeah but them reproducing doesnt matter because with newer technology we can treat them and they can live normal lives
I also currently have a foster kitten named Kale! My goal is to be a veterinary surgeon, so I learn a lot from these videos. Another goal is to not euthanize any animals who have a chance at survival with a little love and or medical care, they all deserve a shot at life.
I hope you achieve your dream. The world needs people like you.💕 I’m too much of a baby I would cry all day.
GO FOR IT! good luck!
God bless you!
It sounds like you are on your way to a wonderful and much needed profession. I wish you good luck. You certainly have empathy for it. 👍
There is no reason to continue euthanizing healthy animals. It's barbaric.
When I see this topic come up, about whether it is "worthwhile" saving such an animal, I am reminded of a favourite poem, called The Starfish Poem.
Once upon a time there was a wise man
who used to go to the ocean
to do his writing.
He had a habit of walking
on the beach
before he began his work.
One day he was walking along
the shore.
As he looked down the beach,
he saw a human
figure moving like a dancer.
He smiled to himself to think
of someone who would
dance to the day.
So he began to walk faster
to catch up.
As he got closer, he saw
that it was a young man
and the young man wasn't dancing,
but instead he was reaching
down to the shore,
picking up something
and very gently throwing it
into the ocean.
As he got closer he called out,
"Good morning! What are you doing?"
The young man paused,
looked up and replied,
"Throwing starfish in the ocean."
"I guess I should have asked,
why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?"
"The sun is up and the tide is going out.
And if I don't throw them in they'll die."
"But, young man, don't you realize that
there are miles and miles of beach
and starfish all along it.
You can't possibly make a difference!"
The young man listened politely.
Then bent down, picked up another starfish
and threw it into the sea,
past the breaking waves and said-
"It made a difference for that one."
P.s. Great video!
@Nick Bissell,
Thanks for that!
I have a piece of thick glass that has a short version of that poem etched into it. When I saw it at a second-hand store I had to have it! I display it on a polished wooden platform__one of my favorite 'things'! 💎
Debra Cisneros, HHP
🙏😇✨💫🌱🌿🐝🌻🌳🌍💖🙌🙌🙌😺
As someone who recues neonatal kittens, I think part of the "fading kitten syndrome" and "failure to thrive" are somewhat comforting phrases. Because if you foster neonates, you're going to lose them occasionally. And for most of us, that causes a lot of guilt. It helps us to tell ourselves that we did everything we could, but that sometimes isn't enough. It's almost too much to bear to know that if you just a little more knowledge, or tried a little bit harder, you could have saved that baby. Until rescues are funded the way they should be, and vets are willing to provide treatment to neonates, rescuers just have to do the best they can, and be able to understand that whatever we're doing is enough (even if it really isn't). Losing a baby can be so discouraging.
I can tell you really are feeling this.
Stay strong - or take a break!
Sounds like you care so much and the more you do, sadly the more you may lose.
Just like that there really aren't more kittens with health issues, there are just more people noticing.
Be careful and kind to yourself.
You are already doing more than most.
Feral kittens don’t have a chance with congenital back on the farm. For one thing it can be really hard to find where mama hid them. Trap & neuter is catching on even on farms so you really are reaching a broad population.
You have helped raise so much awareness in the kitten rescue community about how to diagnose and treat so many different issues! Like you said, it’s not that there are more kittens being born with these conditions, it’s that we are much more aware of them now, and you are a major part of this!! ♥️
The more common the surgery, the better and cheaper the outcomes. Thank you for treating those you can.
The cats you have are so flipping cute
I have a kitten with pectus excevatum.
She has to get surgery too but the vets here in Germany want to wait until she is older.
She has difficulties breathing and eating. I don't know what to do.
I hope you're able to find the help you need! In my experience (and according to my vets here in the states) surgery is most successful when the kitten is still very young. Spinach had surgery at 3 weeks, and Kale had surgery at about five weeks originally. You can read more about that here: www.kittenlady.org/pectus -- best of luck!
@@KittenLady thank you so much for responding. I'll read more into it and will talk to the vet, or find a second opinion maybe. 🙏
Definitely try to get another opinion, I also know a lot of vets in Germany don't do spaying/neutering until like 6 months of age for a number of reasons, one being that many don't have the experience to perform surgery on smaller kittens. Maybe you can find someone who has more experience in that matter & can help you :(
They simply have no experience operating in little kittens
It’s best done early on
Find a skilled vet if at all possible
@@soulcatcher_pajome That they dont spay until 6 months is a good thing imo. But they doo reccoment this only if you agree that your kitten wont be outside and that there are only females or nutered male around them. If not immediately necessary why get them in surgery so young?
My 15 year old boy had this surgery as a kitten. I took him to the University of Missouri veterinary teaching hospital. I’m so pleased with the outcome. I like to think we helped pave the way for kittens like Spinach and Kale.
Kitten Academy (channel here on YT who live stream their foster kittens) currently have a kitten who had his PE surgery a month ago and is now doing great and about to be adopted. It is great that these kittens are given a chance of a healthy life.
Hannah, you are definitely a huge player in changing neonatal kitten medical care. It is so incredible and an honor to watch. Orphan Kitten Club is funding treatments and proving they work to save lives. ❤️
I’m so glad that OKC gives kittens a chance that might otherwise have just been disposed of
One of my kitten born with flat chested kitten syndrom (pectus excavatum) and swimmer syndrome. We noticed it when he can't walk even tho he already 4 weeks old. So we took him to vet who specialize in physiotherapy. The chest aren't really bad and the risk of operating is quite high, so the vet and us just do some physiotherapy on him for the chest and legs. After couple weeks he already walking confidently! And after 2 months his ribs aren't flatten anymore, but his ribs size are still kinda small. When we did his booster shots of vaccine, we and the vet decided to take xray photo of his chest. And surprise, his heart are on the right side! The lungs also smaller than normal. But still he is now 4 months old and thriving! Very active, playful, and love to eat 🥰 We plan to do heart USG on his 6 months and keep maintaining his condition thru regular checks up 💕
"Kitten lady explains the baader-meinhof phenomenon"
No matter what wild condition she has, I would still take care of this tiny fella! 😭😭😭😭😻😻😻
Kale is seriously one of my favourite kittens you’ve ever fostered, not only is she brave but she also just has this really appealing happy vibe to her, she always makes me smile 😃🥬💖
i wish i could adopt Kale but i don’t have another cat at home, i live 8 hours away, and my mom doesn’t allow it. not even fostering. i do have chickens though!! they come inside when it gets too hot but we have to keep them in a small spot but it’s a lot better than outside. i’ve never felt so much love for one of your foster kittens 🤷🏻♀️
Your post is so wholesome! ❤
Hi Hannah. Thank you so much for posting this. Today I just lost one of my fosters due to an undiagnosed medical reason and it was heartbreaking and frustrating. We still don't know what happened and it was possible that she was neurologically impaired and didn't show symptoms til recently and unfortunately her health depleted extremely quickly and she could not be saved. I've learnt a lot from you and continue to research to learn more everyday so thank you for always spreading knowledge.
I'm so sorry for your loss and know you tried everything.
Watching Hannah's videos are some of the best ways to stay in touch with the newest interventions that are out for kittens.
Take care of yourself.
I was just watching the cat the whole time… Kale is soooooo cute!!!
My babies had upper respiratory tract disease and the breeders put them away because they didn't know what it could be and decided that they could never be healthy >.> They had already lost 2 babies (out of 10) and were willing to euthanise the babies themselves if they wouldn't get picked up within a week.
Very glad I could rescue them before they put them down (I don't even want to think about the how). All six adopted kittens are happy and healthy in their new homes!
The the 'ugliest baby' that didn't go for adoption due to cosmetic differences and her best friend / sister are a little small for their age, but thriving within my household even with a scarred (perfect vision) eye and kinked tail.
It's all based on misconception and uneducated people! Your videos make me sooo happy because you give every little kitten (and animal for that matter) a chance even the ones that look different or ARE different
There is a stray cat behind my work that is impossible to catch and she keeps having more kittens. Out of the 2 kittens she had last year, one had a congenital heart defect. She had 3 kittens in February who I am fostering (I fell in love with one and am keeping him though) and I am worried about them also having heart conditions but show no symptoms and the vet check ups have all been good. That same cat is pregnant again and will be giving birth soon. I will be fostering those as well and hope they will all be healthy. (Btw, before I get yelled at, we’ve hired people to catch the cats in the cat colony and every other one of the 15 or so cats have been caught and fixed. Multiple professionals have failed to catch this one so I watch her and take the babies when they are about 6 weeks old).
Perseverance will catch Ms. Crafty Cat, the unrepentant kitten machine!
I hope you or co-workers eventually TNT her. Thanks for your good deeds, and best of luck.
@@boomer1954ful Yes, we have not given up! A co-worker (the other person who loves the cats there like I do) actually just called me saying he got his hands on a trap so if she has not given birth over the weekend we are going to try to catch her tomorrow and if successful she will give birth in my home and be fixed before rejoining her colony. We are hopeful this time. 🤞 Thank you for the kind words! Be well! ❤️
In humans, pectus excavatum is actually common (1:40-400 people). Probably similar rates in cats. Although many may not be severe enough to require surgery so may also fly under the radar.
Awwww look at that widdle spotted belly. What a doll. I hope you can adopt out Elvis and Kale together.
Kale is soo stinking cute!!! Are you reusing Spinach's "sweaters" for Kale?
OMG the metal music animating Kale’s hyper play “Slayer-ed” me 😹😹😹😹😹😹🤘🏻☠️
you’re the reason i’ve started fostering!!
Yay!!
Same!!
thank you for fostering
Great video. We have noticed the decline in health with cats in CA. Neurological and respiratory problems. We have also noticed litters are averaging only 3 kittens at a time. We're wondering if it's the water and junk in the air. We recently saved 1 kitten of 3. They had/have respiratory issues. If it weren't for your videos our little Sonny wouldn't be here. He's going strong 2 months now. I hope our other rescues will eventually except him in our home too. 🙏🏼 thank you SO much! We have rescued 2 cats, 1 dog, 2 parakeets and 2 fish. We feed several outside ferrell cats.
She's thriving because she has a solid foundation of love. You can tell by watching this video how loved these babies are. They are absolutely confident in your love for them. So they're not worried or scared even a little bit. It is really heart warming to watch. Thank you.
It's actually pronounced pectus excaVAHtum. You seem like the kind of person who would want to know that. Thank you for all you do! I start every day with your calendar - what an amazing way to start the day!
I saw the little sweater on Kale and IMMEDIATELY was like, ah, must have the same issue Spinach had....!!
I happy you made a video on this! I feel this is something many don't talk about. And the rock music during the playing montage is so perfect!.
Personally I think it's more that the vets and shelters are getting to know that you have to attitude and skills to care for kittens with these issues.
As such, you're getting tapped on the shoulder first up.
Huh, kittens and metal music fit, beautiful, energetic chaos.
i LOVE THIS LADY & what she does .
I spent several thousand dollars on my little guy in the first week of having him. He was 5 months at the time. We celebrated his 1st birthday in May. He’s happy and thriving 💕
My grandparents had a puppy born with a badly shaped chest and I really wanted to take him to the vet but my grandma said there was nothing you could do and wouldn’t let me. Apparently she’d seen other puppies like this before but I thought he had a chance at living so I took special care of him and he survived until he was 8 weeks and 5 days. I wish this had come out for years ago so that maybe I could of convinced my grandparents to take him to the vet. I will never forget Chara and I hope he is tracking rabbits in the sky.
Sometimes past experiences keep you from trying something new. I hope you are doing okay, and thank you for sharing your experience. May we learn to not let our experiences hold us back.
@@alisa9040 Thank you for reminding me to never let something bad hold me back. Also thank you for your concern time heals most wounds and I will always have a tattoo of his paw print to remind me of the short time we had together.
Thank you so much for your video. I foster rescues and have had hundreds of neonatal kittens come through my home and am proud to say I've never lost one.
You are awesome, Hannah. A true inspiration. Thank you. I wish I could do something to help.
Thank you so much for everything you do... not just for the little fur babies with razors on their paws....:) You also educate us at the same time, in normal basic language that anyone that can understand. Im older now, and injured, so unable to work. I would do anything to be able to become a foster mum to cats. I have 2 rescues myself. One young and she just blossomed into the cheekiest and most amazing cat ever. The second was a 10yo extra furry, black panther. He was so scared, he didnt come out from under the bed for over 2 months and flinched every time we would pet him. A year down the track and he now plays like a kitten and OH WOW ...all he needs to hear the the brush come out and he comes running, meowing in his tiny meow (he is huge by the way, and a black cloud persian). I so want to be a foster, but I just dont know where to even start. To be able to do for other mini panthers what we have done with Tuppence and Jet...would be my idea of heaven. So ...after that novel...the story to this is...You are an inspiration and you reach people all over the world. Thank you!
So appreciate how you've educated us over the years and advocated for kittens and spay/neuter. I'm currently a foster mom for Tiny Tim, a 9-week-old pectus excavatum kitten in NC. I'm reaching out in a kind of desperate way, I know, but if your vet could talk by phone with the vet I foster for, I'd be so so appreciative. I've been posting public photos and videos of Tiny "Tuff" Tim on my Facebook page. He is a kitten with a huge affectionate spirit and drive. I know you're inundated with requests for help (believe me, I get it -- in my small pond, we are against a tidal wave), but if you can offer any advice, I'll be grateful. He had surgery, but still has labored breathing. This condition is new to us.
You’re such an inspiration, Hannah! I’ve been fostering for 2 years so far and your videos always give me a feeling of accomplishment. Because sometimes I just feel like I’m not doing enough to help kittens and cats you know?
Anyways! Thank you so much for all that you do. Your videos are always educational and inspiring to me. You truly make the world a brighter place for our furry friends :)
My boy is nearly 6, got him from an old flat mate who found him with his (cat)mum, brothers, and sisters under their porch. He was 6-7 weeks. His eyes were still blue when I got him.
The winter after he turned 3 he got a Crystal blockage in his urethra, which he got emergency 3a.m surgery to remove. 6 weeks later he got another blockage, to which my vet tried to convince me to put him down, stating it would be cruel to keep him alive for this to keep happening. I absolutely refused. They performed the surgery again, all my savings is gone to the vet at this point. They diagnosed him with LUTD(Lower Urinary Tract Disease).
I did every bit of research on the disease and found the number one cause of urine crystalisation is a dry food diet because dry food is only 3% moisture, and cats meals should consist of AT LEAST 70% moisture, which is wet food. The dry food causes the PH of the urine to become alkaline, which causes crytalisation. After banning dry food from my house entirely, my boy is the healthiest and happiest he’s ever been. He hasn’t had a blockage since. He’s had a few treatable UTI’s, but NO life threatening blockages since wet food only.
Knowing this situation happens most often to male cats, I've switched our cats to wet food mixed with a tiny bit of the dry food they love - or the stinkers won't eat it.
I've tried leaving it out - which after a few bites get me "the look."
Also lots of fresh water out in cat friendly bowls.
As this is even more of an issue for older male cats, it's best to start off with a good quality wet food.
Congratulations and great job not giving up!
Your boy is lucky to have a companion like you.
@@alicecain4851 thank you so much. I’ve got 2 real kids and my animals are just as important to me. I’d be in the hospital at 3 a.m with my child or my cat.
My boy eats Fancy Feast or Tiki(think we only have this in Australia) wet food, and he gobbles it up in seconds. I’m grateful I don’t have to trick him or try watering down dry.
I’ve been watching your channel from the beginning and I absolutely love what you do for these precious, helpless, sweet little angels! You’re an angel ❤️
Thank you so much for all your kitten videos Hannah! After learning how simple and life changing foster care can be from your videos i was able to convince my parents to let me foster in my holidays and we are in the process of signing up. I couldn't have done it without all the support and information your channel provides so thank you xxx
Kale’s paws are SO GOSHDARN CUUUTE!
I have watched your videos for a long time. All of my cats have found me. I love the little critters and I very much appreciate all of the love and effort you put into them.
We now have a kitten that was born without a gallbladder. This is the first time we have seen this. Thanks to an amazing foster mom Flint has survived and thrived in his own way. We now have a amazing donor that gave us the finances to diagnose and see specialist. Keep little flint in your thoughts this week as he is seeing the specialists. South Africa 🇿🇦
Thanks for all you do . You are a God send for these little one ,
They deserve every chance to live and be happy 😊. And healthy
I love kale! She’s so spirited and playful. Living her best life. ❤️
BLESSINGS to you and the DOCTORS
For giving Spinach and Kale a second chance at life , they are both
Little DARLINGS.
I pray for them
That they will always be surrounded by love, Care, and
Kindness, Amen. 🐈
Every time you show the cat playing it makes me giggle
I have a rescue kitten with Cerebellar Hypoplasia (wobbly kitty) and she is the sweetest baby. I’m so glad I found her, even if she bunny kicks my arms with her claws. She’s perfectly healthy, just struggles with balance 🥰
Since we are talking about medical conditions, my last two litters of kittens have had diseases, both having to go back to her shelter in 24 hours or less. One of the diseases were panlukopemia ( I know I spelled it wrong) and my recent one was lice.
Thanks, the one with panlukopemia did die, but the ones with lice are doing ok!
I adopted my girl from a shelter and a couple of months later she was diagnosed with a luxating patella. At 10 months old she was also diagnosed with immune-mediated neutropenia and myelodysplastic syndrome. I’ve spent thousands so far on her medical care, but she’s definitely worth it! She’s such a fighter. 💗
I would say yes there are more for an unfortunate reason- people breeding for traits instead of breeding for health. I am not talking more in the last 2 decades but more overall from when people started breeding cats. I am in a few online groups and people get super excited about "extra beans" (polydactylism) unfortunately these people are breeding for this because of cute and "harmless" it seems. Forgetting that where you find one birth defect you will often find others.
Sadly, the same thing happened within dog breeding in the 1990’s and 2000’s.
Selectively bred kittens usually don’t end up in foster care
@@juliac3933 True. But incestous cats having sex with each other due there being no other cats and instinct can also lead to health problems.
Extra beans are very cute! Buttttt yes it’s the same reason small dogs have lots of problems 😓
exactly! like people breed scottish folds because "ooohhh cute lil folded ears🥺🥺" (similar to american curls) and they dont breed healthier cats
The more of these procedures are done and the more research and knowledge and practice for veterinarians everywhere, the more available, trustworthy and cheaper they will be. This is a wonderful investment for the future.
Or ... are we just hearing about them more because people like yourself are intervening and helping these little ones survive? My bet's on that one. :)
She’s precious!
Please keep the good work up cat lady. Kittys are God's amazing angels sent to help us humans. God bless.
So sad we live so far away in germany :( My wife and i would love to offer Kale a loving and peaceful forever home. What a sweet and cute little girl :)
Thx for your great work! Every new "kitten-lady" video is a must watch :-) You saved so many lifes
Hehe and that golden cat toy survived the video
This channel is so cool. Thank you for doing the work you do! You are making such a difference in the world by doing this kind of education and fostering! Love it!!
That shirt is adorable
Such a cute kitty. Love you Kale ❤️
Absolutely!!! I just finished fostering my first litter and I will definitely do it again soon!! Yay kitten fostering!!! Go, Fight, Win!!!!! 😆☺️😆
Edit: Just have to mention, it was this channel that inspired me!! ❤️😺❤️
Thank you for helping those animals in need.
Your channel is such an invaluable resource of information, thank you so much 🖤
Absolutely in love with Kale and her adorable little sweaters! Not even congenital conditions can slow her down ❤
Your videos have been helpful for me. My kitten was diagnosed with pectas excavatum and just had surgery
(Off-Topic) Kitten Lady, your microphone audio isn't picking up properly for the recording. We're hearing ambient room sound instead of miked directly into the recording audio. This is probably something simple like changing your audio input source in your audio/video recording software. I noticed it on the previous video from a couple of weeks ago too, since moving into your new home. -- You and your partner do a wonderful job. Keep up the good work. You are a big help and an inspiration. I love that you are so practical and creative and always thinking about how to do better. The advice you give us viewers and the help you give those kittens, and the kittens your viewers help, is invaluable. Thank you always.
Haha, I loved the punk / metal rock there for the kitten zooming around playing like a while child. :) Awesome! (Now I wonder if she has an later ego with a dyed mohawk and punk outfit and tattoos and a cattitude! :D army boots? Maybe she'd wear that chain? Haha, anyway, I loved it. -- And she is terrific. -- I hope someone great gets little Elvis. I currently have a ~9 month old spayed kitten, nearly grown, and I hope I can move soon. My senior kitty had to cross the rainbow bridge a few weeks ago due to increasing health problems. Elvis is wonderful and really speaks to me, but I think I have to wait a while before I can adopt, so it'll likely be from a local shelter, if a stray doesn't show up here or when I move. Hug Elvis and the others, please. They are super, and Elvis seems so amazing.
I learn so much about Cats and Kittens from this channel
All of your videos are so incredibly helpful and informative. I have been fostering For a year, and everything I know I learning from Hannah
This reminds me of the argument that people have that’s “well we didn’t have (insert mental illness or disability here) in my day!” Well yes you actually did those people just went undiagnosed and without help or aid they didn’t just Appear out of thin air. Kittens aren’t magically being born with more conditions, they’re just surviving them now
I just realized that kittens playing accompanied by metal is a thing I need in my life.
VERY PROUD OF YOU HANNAH!👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
You are a wonderful person, caring all needy and deserving cats All my good wishes for you 😊 ❤ ♥ ☺ 💕
It was nice of the kids to cooperate for your video. 😂 I’ve met people with pectus excavatum. No kittens though.
We love you Kitten Lady!!!!!!!
+1
I love watching your video they never fail to make me smile and they never fail to give me wonderful information about cats
A++++ for the “wild child” soundtrack
The kittens are so cute. I'm glad that little Kale is recovering so well.
I've experienced so many litters growing up with kittens which have to pass dealing with congenital conditions. My parents are the kind to never bother diagnosing "just" a kitten 😢😭 RIP to those babies they remain in my brain ❤ The video definitely made me feel better about animals who are born sick. Thanks :)
Angel babies forever ❤️ I’m on my second rescue kitten, I lost my first angel. He was really sick when I found him and I nursed him back to better health, all the sudden he got worse overnight again. couldn’t even hold up his own head or walk anymore, was throwing up the formula I was feeding him. Took him to the vet and they said there was nothing we could do, not every sick baby can be healed 😭❤️ but my new rescue is also a little goofy, look up wobbly kitty syndrome to smile ❤️
Spay and neuter your cats and it's not an issue.
Awww i had pectum excavatum and i also needed surgery, i think i missed the kitten last year that had it, i had my surgery about 4 years ago! When i was 16😅
I never knew that pectus excavatum existed in cats! I know about pectus excavatum in people bc a few male family members have had it.
You're awesome yeah that's all I have to say it's just you're awesome
So wonderful to see you with your beautiful kittens and cats. I have been a cat lover since a child. I am an animal lover, such gifts from God! Keep up your good work, you are an inspiration! God bless!🙂
The old saying prevention is better than cure comes to mind when seeing this. I prevented 4 or 5 unwanted pregnancies by cats that were not mine for people who couldn’t or wouldn’t do it otherwise.I never regretted it even when one cost me $200, he runs loose but can’t bring any children into the world. Please offer to jump in and help and if you want to see animal tragedies end, this is an effective way to do it.
I recently adopted a kitten and I think she has the same condition as Kale, the vet said she might not need surgery cuz it’s not very severe, but I can’t help to worry, kiwi my kitten is very playful and affectionate, she is growing too.
Kitten Lady Rocks!
Great video!
Also, Kale is so pretty 😍
YAY SAVING KITTENS!!! These informational videos have been SO helpful for my own fosters!
There so cute I got all my information of kittens from you
I would love to have that kitten!
Your kittens so cute and playful
I want Kale so badly, but *glances at my orange girl who would prefer to be an only cat, yet has a brother, her littermate*... I can't. Much love to Kale, and kittens like her.
I totally gasped at 5:20 lol
Love your message about helping to advance veterinary medicine, I agree! 😺 Beautiful kittens