An 8-month-old kitten that had been struck or kicked by a person nearly two months ago has now recovered from her injuries and is ready for adoption.
The good Samaritan who found the kitten thought she had been hit by a car when he found her on Mission Gorge Road in the San Carlos area on Oct. 10. Only later did County Animal Services veterinary staff determine the animal’s injuries were most likely caused by abuse.
Her abdominal injuries were so severe she required extensive surgery. A staff member fostered the young cat during her recovery.
“We don’t know who struck and injured this cat as there were no witnesses,” said County Animal Services Director Dawn Danielson. “If anyone sees or hears about any animal abuse, we beg you: don’t turn a blind eye or deaf ear. Report your concerns to our department.”
To report a case of animal cruelty, people should call the department’s emergency dispatch at 619-236-2341 or 911.
Staff members named the little kitty Pumpkin. She may have a slight limp her entire life from nerve damage but there’s no sign it’s painful, and it doesn’t stop her from being a typical kitten.
“She has a sweet outgoing personality,” said Danielson. “Pumpkin is extremely playful and just loves her catnip toys. She also loves to explore boxes and other hidden places, and she is very clean and affectionate.”
Pumpkin was fostered in a home with young children and large dogs so she’ll be fit right into similar households.
Anyone interested in adopting Pumpkin needs to visit the County’s animal care facility on 5580 Gaines Street in San Diego and complete an application by the close of business on Sunday, Dec. 4. If multiple families are interested in adopting Pumpkin, the staff will invite the top candidates to visit the shelter and meet Pumpkin and then select the adopter.
County Animal Services has hundreds of animals available for adoption. You can see their photos and get additional information on each one on the department’s website.