Street Survivor! Abandoned Bengal Defies Medical History with Help From His Foster Mom

On the streets of Seattle, a small cardboard box held an extraordinary treasure – a beautiful Bengal kitten named Simba.

His striking spotted coat and innocent eyes belied the challenging journey that lay ahead of him.

Abandoned and alone, Simba's story could have ended there, but fate had different plans for this remarkable feline.

When kind passersby discovered the abandoned kitten, they quickly brought him to the Tacoma Humane Society.

The shelter staff soon uncovered the heartbreaking reason behind his abandonment – Simba struggled with a rare medical condition affecting his ability to have normal bowel movements.

In the cruel calculus of the pet breeding industry, a Bengal kitten with health issues held little commercial value.

Rather than invest in the expensive medical care he needed, someone had chosen to discard him like unwanted cargo.

However, Simba's guardian angel arrived in the form of Cindy, a dedicated foster caregiver who specializes in caring for cats with special needs.

Without hesitation, she opened her heart and home to the struggling kitten, marking the beginning of his transformation from abandoned pet to beloved family member.

Medical examinations revealed that Simba had been born with an extremely rare condition called hypoganglionosis – a disorder where missing nerve cells left his large colon essentially nonfunctional.

As his gastrointestinal system began to fail, it became clear that only a life-saving surgery to remove his large colon could give him a chance at survival.

Through the power of community support, fundraising, and generous donations, Cindy was able to secure the crucial procedure Simba needed.

While the surgery was successful, it marked just the beginning of Simba's recovery journey.

Post-operative complications included irritated, reddened skin that required constant gentle attention, and chronic diarrhea necessitating regular baths, medication, and a carefully tailored diet.

Yet through it all, Cindy's dedication never wavered. Her love and patience proved boundless as she helped him navigate each challenge, rushing him to the veterinarian at the first sign of fever, worsening symptoms, or decreased appetite.

During his hospital stays, she remained faithfully by his side, providing the emotional support critical to his recovery.

"The occasional setbacks are emotionally taxing and can cause anxiety," Cindy admits with characteristic honesty.

"But his veterinary team consistently affirms that his quality of life has never been poor."

Indeed, despite his medical challenges, Simba has blossomed into a vibrant, joy-filled cat. He shares special bonds with his feline brother Keanu, and together they embark on supervised outdoor adventures that fill their days with excitement. 

Perhaps most remarkably, Simba has developed an almost intuitive cooperation with his daily care routine, as if understanding that these moments of treatment are expressions of love.

What makes Simba's story even more extraordinary is its unprecedented nature in veterinary medicine.

With only one other documented case of feline hypoganglionosis – which sadly ended in euthanasia – Simba stands as the only known surviving cat with this condition.

His journey represents not just a personal triumph, but a beacon of hope for veterinary medicine and other animals who might face similar challenges.

"While occasional bouts of diarrhea will likely be normal for him, Simba should see improved bowel function and quality of life with ongoing care and recovery," explains Cindy to We Love Cats and Kittens.

“I did not adopt Simba, however, he will remain my special needs foster kitten for the foreseeable future who I adore and love dearly,” she added.

In the end, Simba's story is more than the typical tale of pet rescue. Through it all, he remains an incredibly brave and resilient little warrior.

Simba's indomitable spirit continues to shine, inspiring all who learn of his remarkable journey. 

Check out the video below:

A big thank you to Cindy for sharing Simba's story with us.

You can follow Simba's progress on Facebook

Related story: Abandoned Newborn Kitten Defies Odds to Become Shelter’s Greatest Success Story

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