JUST KEEP SWIMMING

In the small town of Solon, Iowa, a tiny kitten named Sprout was born into a world filled with uncertainty. Found alongside his four siblings and their spicy mama, Sprout was just a week old when his journey began. At first glance, he seemed just like any other kitten—curious, soft, and full of life. But as the weeks passed, something became apparent: Sprout wasn’t getting around as easily as his siblings.

By three weeks old, his caretaker, a kind and dedicated vet tech, noticed that while his siblings were already beginning to explore, climb, and run, Sprout struggled. His back legs weren’t working like they should. They seemed limp, dragging behind him in a splayed-out manner as he tried to keep up with his siblings. Despite his best efforts, Sprout wasn’t using his back legs.

The heartbreaking reality set in. Two of Sprout’s siblings passed away, and while the caretaker was devastated by the loss, her heart ached even more for Sprout. The tiny kitten would swim around the kitten floor, his front legs paddling furiously, as he tried to catch up with the others. But no matter how hard he tried, his back legs wouldn’t cooperate.

By eight weeks old, the situation had become increasingly worrisome. Concerned and determined to find answers, his caretaker reached out to the Johnson County Humane Society (JCHS) for help. Sprout needed a proper diagnosis, and the vet tech was hoping that JCHS could assist in covering the cost of diagnostics.

After a unanimous board vote, JCHS stepped in, offering to cover the cost of imaging and consultation with a radiologist. The images revealed something both heartbreaking and hopeful: Sprout had Swimmer Syndrome, a condition where kittens develop weak or underdeveloped limbs, often resulting in the inability to use their back legs. The condition can improve with intense physical therapy, but the cause of Sprout's condition remains unclear.

Although the images didn’t reveal a definitive cause for Sprout’s condition, it was clear that the road ahead would be difficult—and expensive. To give Sprout the best chance at a happy and healthy life, he would need a specialized MRI, which could cost around $5,000. In addition, he would require ongoing physical therapy sessions to build strength and improve his mobility—sessions that could cost as much as $200 each.

But here’s the thing: we know we can’t save them all, but we can save Sprout. With your help, Sprout has a chance. He may never run like his siblings, but with the right care, he can *swim* his way into a bright future. Sprout’s determination is unmatched, and he’s shown us all that no matter how difficult life may seem, there’s always hope.

Sprout has a long road ahead of him, but with your support, we can make sure he gets the chance he deserves. Together, we can give this brave little kitten the life he’s fought so hard for—a life full of love, adventure, and the possibility of a forever home.

Please help Sprout to Just Keep Swimming and thank you for your consideration.

To read more about Swimmer Syndrome please visit The Kitten Lady.

Our Little Sprout (Kitten Memorial Fund)

By JOHNSON COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY INC

Our Little Sprout (Kitten Memorial Fund)

Swimming Over the Rainbow

Team Members