The Amazing Joshua - A very, VERY "Special" Lil Guy
Joshua came into rescue along with his two sisters, Judith and Joanna. The group was found huddled under a small tree during a violent thunderstorm. The gang was soaking wet, hungry, and very small. The kittens were about 14 days old, but the smallest, Joshua was exceptionally tiny. Joshua was also concerning in that he wasn't responding to contact or interventions from his rescuers. This condition is termed "unresponsive" and it is always worrisome.
The team went into "critical care mode", starting subQ fluids, oral glucose, Vitamin B12, body warming, and lots of cuddling and love. Joshua started coming around within about 30 minutes - an excellent response!
However, over the following weeks, Joshua continued to have these "spells" where he would crash and appear to be failing to thrive. Each time, glucose and SubQ fluids would quickly bring him back. Soon, it was discovered that Joshua was not "failing to thrive", but was actually suffering from seizures. In addition, little Joshy had what his foster mom termed "on the spectrum" behavior. Changes in routine, surprise or fast movements, or moments of stress or anxiety brought out very aggressive behavior. Joshua was easily frustrated and annoyed. It seemed he couldn't communicate or handle his "feelings" properly. He was being raised around other little kittens, but he didn't play with them as a regular kitten would. He would walk through the group of romping kittens as if they weren't there. Most peculiar behavior, for sure.
Joshua's "special-ness" doesn't end there. While at the veterinarian for his neuter appointment, it was discovered that Joshua does not have any reproductive organs. This is a very rare condition making Joshua super-duper unique! It is speculated, but not confirmed, that Joshua's seizure and personality issues may be related to his congenital reproductive organ agenesis.
With proper medication, Joshua's seizures became manageable. Additionally, with special attention and some gentle behavior training, Joshua became a happy, hoppy little foster kid who could be found playing with the other kittens and enjoying the love and affection of his foster family.
One of Joshua's most effective behavior modification therapies is his kitten-sized stuffed animal. A friend gave him a tubby, little hedgehog plush toy. It was so big, Joshua could barely get his two arms around it! But anytime Joshua was getting overstimulated or overwhelmed, his foster mom gave him this toy. Joshua would bite it, wrestle with it, and direct all his frustration into the toy. It affectionately became known as his "angry boy" toy.
Take a look at some of the funny videos of Joshua and his hedgehog in the "Adoptable Kittens" section.
