Sadly, stray cats face harsh reality in the streets. The challenge is even greater for tiny kittens trying to find their place in the world, exposed to all sorts of dangers. Such was the case of Valentine, whose inspiring story will melt your heart.

One day, some folks in a California neighborhood noticed a stray kitten struggling with a tape roll stuck on his neck. Each movement was a struggle, every meal a challenge, not to mention the pain he felt. His silent suffering was truly heartbreaking.

People tried to catch him and even involved animal control, but the poor thing was too frightened to let anyone come near.

However, when all hope seemed lost, two kind-hearted rescuers decided to step in. Kimberly Saxelby and Chris Gattas made sure this was the day the fragile kitten would be rescued.

Chasing him wasn’t easy, but the caring team refused to give up. After an hour of failed attempts, they decided to try with nets and finally managed to catch him.

However, it wasn’t until the team approached closer that they realized how bad his injury was. The tape must have been there for what seemed an eternity, as the smell coming from it was unbearable. Kimberly shared for LoveMeow:

“We actually thought there was a dead animal near the shed but it was actually the smell of his rotting flesh and infection from his neck.”

Shocked by the kitty’s desperate condition, the team rushed to Rancho Cucamonga Animal Shelter to make him safe as soon as possible. Little did they know, they would soon face another devastating sight.

Once the vets carefully freed the kitty’s neck, they realized the tape had cut so deep into his flesh, causing severe injury and infection. The poor baby was clearly in agonizing pain. Recalling the horrible moment, Kimberly shared:

“It brought tears to my eyes because I couldn’t imagine the pain and suffering this poor sweet cat has been through and for as long as he has.”

Without hesitation, the vets performed an emergency surgery to clean and mend the injury. They had to stitch up his entire neck to put the severed skin back together and save this innocent soul from further suffering.

Luckily, the surgery was a success and the kitty started his journey to recovery. He was given a second chance at life, and the sweetest name – Valentine.

Nobody was happier than Kimberly to see her buddy finally pain-free. She created a Facebook page dedicated to his journey and shared updates on his condition.

Eager to see the ginger boy healed and happy, animal lovers made donations to speed up his recovery. Kimberly shared:

“The good news is it healing nicely and he is eating all his food, yes! Keep him in your thoughts and prayers, he has a long road ahead of him but he is a strong little warrior.”

As days passed, Valentine’s condition improved. His appetite was returning, and he could now enjoy eating and drinking without the tape preventing him.

However, although his recovery went better than anyone expected, his spirit was still down. He remained cautious and a bit grumpy, but given what this kitty had been through, it was no surprise. As Kimberly shared:

“After all we caught him which was pretty scary for him and then put in a crate and transported to the shelter for surgery, he woke up in pain and in a kennel so he has every right to not be a happy cat right now.”

To help little Valentine feel safer, the shelter gave him a feral box where he hid most of the day. Meanwhile, they began searching for a foster parent to take him in. 

After a brief stay with Kimberly’s friend, Valentine was taken in by April Glatzel. This new environment must have made him feel scared again as he was hiding in the bathroom most of the time, making the sink his new refuge.

April was patient and understanding. She knew that building trust takes time so she respected Valentine’s need for his own space and allowed him to adjust in his own way. 

Yet, the caring woman ensured he knew she was there for him. As Kimberly shared:

“This is a HUGE step for him as he went to sleep in his favorite spot with her sitting right next to him. This just shows how he is becoming more trusting of her. So happy right now I have tears in my eyes…”

Step by step, Valentine was getting more comfortable, embracing the affection around him. Although these were all baby steps, his progress was obvious.

It didn’t take long for his feline curiosity to finally emerge and reveal the playful side he was hiding. Look at him peeking from behind the bathroom door, keeping an eye on his hooman friend!

At last, Valentine stepped out of his safe zone and started exploring other rooms in the house. With each sniff, he made a new discovery and soon realized that the sink wasn’t as comfy as the couch. Thrilled by his growing confidence, Kimberly shared:

“Look at this handsome boy making himself comfy on the couch. Valentine is making more and more strides and learning to trust little by little and this is just an example of one of them.”

As days passed, Valentine’s fear started to fade away. He was still cautious, but far from the grumpy cat who once shied away from human touch. With tender love and care, April won Valentine’s heart and broke down the walls he had built around it.

As the bond between them blossomed, one thing became clear – April’s home was where Valentine belonged. Kimberly shared the most wonderful news:

“Valentine has found his forever loving home and best of all it is with his foster mama April Glatzel who loves him oh so much and has worked so hard to make him learn to trust humans again.”

The kitty who once wouldn’t let anyone come near is now thriving in his forever home with April and other kitty friends. He enjoys cuddling with his mommy and can’t get enough belly rubs. April shares:

“Not a night goes by that Valentine does not sleep with me… He is so affectionate. And he also meows when it’s time to eat – he actually talks to me now! This boy has come a long way!”

What seemed to become an awesome foster success story, turned out to be the ultimate foster fail with a beautiful happy ending!