A kitten with a persistent head tilt defied the odds, embodying a spirit of unstoppable determination.
*PaisleyNikki at MyFosterKittens
When Paisley, a frail gray kitten with a severe head tilt, arrived at a municipal shelter, she was alarmingly underweight and disoriented. Nikki Martinez, an experienced animal rescuer in NV, recognized her urgent need for a nurturing environment and, with support from Hearts Alive Village, took her into foster care from the shelter.
Initially, Paisley had to twist her body just to see Nikki, drawn by the sound of her voice and an overwhelming obsession with food.
*When she was rescued, she was frail and had a severe head tiltNikki at MyFosterKittens
“She was suffering from a severe upper respiratory infection and was terribly thin,” Nikki explained to Love Meow. “I was confident she would recover once we got her out of the shelter. Despite her condition, she was lively and spirited.”
Nikki’s care focused on treating Paisley’s ailments, but all Paisley seemed to care about was food. Despite her slight frame, she had an insatiable appetite, devouring everything Nikki offered without leaving a trace.
*She was always cheerful and had a large appetiteNikki at MyFosterKittens
An hour after eating, Paisley would approach Nikki with her head tilted, her eyes pleading, and a ‘pathetic meow’, asking for more. Within days of receiving tender loving care, Paisley was bouncing around, playful and energetic, engaging with toys forcefully and emitting endearing chirpy meows.
*Nikki at MyFosterKittens
“I’ve fostered hundreds of kittens over the past 13 years, and I’ve never seen one chirp as much as she does.”
Her head tilt, likely due to a past infection, doesn’t seem to impair her; according to her vet, her brain adjusts so she perceives everything normally. She manages all typical kitten activities, just with a tilt.
*Nikki at MyFosterKittens
Paisley enjoyed an array of toys in her “kitty penthouse,” keeping herself immensely occupied. “She’s always active, a little bundle of energy who loves every toy she encounters.”
Her playful nature also amused the other resident cats.
*Nikki at MyFosterKittens
“She’s incredibly sociable, getting along with cats, dogs, and people alike.”
“One of my favorite things is watching her hop over the baby gate as if she’s equipped with springs. Her chirps add to the delight as she energetically plays around the house.”
*She leapt over the baby gate as if she had springs on her feetNikki at MyFosterKittens
From weighing just 1.8 pounds, Paisley grew to over four pounds in two months, showcasing a remarkable transformation.
“She’s now a vibrant, healthy kitten with a permanent tilt that doesn’t hinder her at all. It’s even improving, and may continue to do so, but it just adds to her charm,” Nikki noted.
*Nikki at MyFosterKittens
When it was time for Paisley to find her permanent home, a perfect family traveled to meet her. They had prepared a playful sanctuary at their home, complete with a variety of toys. After a tranquil journey, Paisley was eager to explore her new surroundings as soon as she arrived.
*Paisley in her forever home@tiltedpaisley
She quickly adapted to her new family, finding her favorite spot for sunbathing and ‘cat TV’ by the window. She indulges in food, plays to her heart’s content, and dreams of snacks while napping.
*She’s found her favorite sunbathing spot@tiltedpaisley
Ever the beacon of positivity, Paisley has always radiated joy, even through her illness. She approaches each day with the heart of a champion, convinced she can overcome anything.
