When Nadija, an animal rescuer and fosterer, met Chip, the kitten, at the county shelter, he was desperately waiting for a foster home.

Alone in his kennel, he was dirty, malnourished, and had a severe eye infection. Though Nadija already had her hands full with fosters, she couldn’t stop thinking about him, hoping he would be scooped up soon.

After more than a week without anyone taking him in, she decided to step in to give him a chance at a better life.

After Chip had his eye surgery, Nadija brought him home and made him comfortable with cozy, warm blankets. Though tiny and covered in flea dirt, he soon felt safe, falling soundly asleep in his new bed.

For the first few days, he spent most of his time resting, allowing his body to heal and regain strength.

“I spent a lot of time just laying with him, which he loved, snuggling him and making him feel safe and loved.”

With plenty of TLC, Chip’s spirit lifted, and he began playing and showing interest in toys. But his energy remained low, and he needed assistance with bathroom trips and massages to soothe his tummy.

He perked up whenever his foster mom was near. It was as if he understood her care and sought comfort by her side. Despite his stomach issues, Chip was always cheerful, enjoyed his meals, and soaked up all the extra snuggles.

He “thanked” his human by washing her face and purring softly into her ears.

After nearly two months of painstaking care from his foster mom, Chip finally felt better and started using the litter box more consistently. “It has been such a rollercoaster with this sweet boy—a plethora of meds and different foods, but this makes it all worth it.”

He was ready to have fun, and Nadija knew the perfect companions to introduce him to.

Chip met Milo (gray) and Alfie (tux), who immediately brought out the mischief in him. He tumbled and raced alongside them, keeping pace with the boys despite his stubby legs.

“He’s an energetic little potato that wobbles, but it adds to his charm.”

His limbs appear shorter than usual, causing him to waddle when he walks, but the determined little guy always holds his own during his playful romps with his much bigger feline friends.

“Chip loves to play, hang out in a cozy bed with a heating pad, and loves his cardboard scratcher. Even though he’s not a ‘normal’ kitten, he’s doing well.”

Chip needs extra help to reach his milestones and improve his mobility, but he is unstoppable in his zest for life. “He’s such a happy, playful (in his own way), snuggly boy who deserves the absolute best.”

Alfie, who is blind, is completely enamored with Chip, following him around and getting him into all sorts of trouble.

Chip has a loving human who caters to his every whim and soft blankets to keep him snug at night. He sleeps in each morning, rolling around in bed until breakfast is served.

A few months ago, Chip was a tiny kitten alone in a shelter kennel, his future uncertain.

Now, he’s flourishing with a foster family rooting for him every day, and he continues to amaze them with his resilience and playful spirit.