A cat brought a kitten to her feeder for help. Now, a year later, the little one has the best possible outcome.
JoonKristen Sterner
Sam, an animal rescuer with St. Francis Society Animal Rescue, received a message about a mother cat who had brought her kitten to her feeder at a trailer park.
The kitten, the sole survivor of her litter, was sick and frail with her eyes crusted shut. She desperately needed intervention as her mom struggled to care for her. Despite everything, she clung to life with all her might.
Kristen Sterner, a foster volunteer specializing in neonatal kitten care, immediately stepped up to take her.
Joon’s momAndrea Christian
She provided round-the-clock intensive care, doing everything she could to save the kitten. “She was in critical condition, very lethargic, dehydrated, not eating, etc.,” Kristen shared with Love Meow.
When the kitten started crashing one night, refusing to eat, Kristen feared the worst, worrying she might lose her.
Kristen Sterner
After keeping the kitten warm and stabilizing her blood sugar, she bounced back, though it was touch and go. At one point, even the medical team was unsure about her chances, but Kristen never stopped fighting for her.
“I wasn’t ready to stop trying yet, and I knew she was still trying to fight to live. I began tube-feeding her so that she could get hydration and food in her belly, subcutaneous fluids—the whole works. She finally started slowly eating wet food again.”
Kristen Sterner
When the kitten was strong enough to eat on her own, Kristen could breathe a sigh of relief. “Once she was back to her cute, silly self, I knew she was going to be okay, and we made the right decision to keep fighting for her.”
At nearly two months old, the kitten, Joon, weighed just 14 ounces—still small for her age but brimming with spirit and determination.
Kristen Sterner
As Joon steadily gained weight and strength, her seal-point markings started to appear around her nose, ears, paws, and tail. Meanwhile, Sam and her team returned to spay and help the mama cat and other community cats like her.
Once Joon was ready to meet other feline residents, she was overjoyed and bounced around with renewed energy.
Kristen Sterner
She also loved trailing her foster mom everywhere, becoming the joyful little kitten she was meant to be.
Over the next few weeks, Joon blossomed into a stunning young cat. Her distinct markings became more prominent, and her personality truly shone through. “She’s the sweetest, most loving little angel, and I couldn’t be more proud of her.”
Kristen Sterner
When Joon was ready to spread her wings and find a loving home, the perfect family came into her life. They welcomed her with open arms, and she quickly settled in as if she had always been part of their family.
It’s been about a year since Joon was adopted. “We have watched her blossom into the most playful, curious, sassy, cuddly kitty on the planet,” Joon’s adopter shared.
Kristen Sterner
“She likes to spend most of her day curled up, sleeping in my lap.”
No matter where her people are—working on the computer, lounging in the living room, or even in the kitchen or bathroom—she’s there purring contentedly. She’s become the sweetest little companion.
Joon’s adopter
Joon and her feline brother are inseparable best friends. Despite coming from different litters, they are partners in mischief, always in sync, mirroring each other when they play or plot their next antic.
Joon and her feline brotherJoon’s adopter
Kristen and her fellow rescuers never gave up on Joon. Now, she’s transformed from a tiny, sickly kitten into a gorgeous cat with a loving family that adores her.
Best of friendsJoon’s adopter
Share this story with your friends. More on St. Francis Society Animal Rescue on Instagram @stfrancisrescuetampa and Facebook. Thanks to Kristen @widdlekittenclub.
Related story: Cat Curled Up Outside House on Bitter Cold Day, When the Door Opened, He Walked in Ready for Change
