Warning: Some images are heartbreaking.
Shortly before Halloween, a tiny black-and-white kitten was found wandering the streets of New York City. Only seven weeks old, he arrived at North Shore Animal League America through our longtime shelter partner Animal Care Centers of NYC. Affectionately named Phantom Fluff, this kitten needed urgent, expert care.
“When he came in, his left eye was completely proptosed, meaning it was out of the socket and essentially non-viable,” explained Dr. Mark Verdino, Chief of Veterinary Staff. “It was shriveled, desiccated, and had clearly been that way for quite some time. We’re not entirely sure how it happened; whether it was some type of trauma, a fall, or possibly a condition like juvenile glaucoma causing the eye to swell and bulge out. There’s really no way to know for sure.”
Phantom Fluff was immediately treated in our AAHA-accredited Pet Health Centers. Dr. Verdino performed the delicate surgery to remove the damaged eye, giving this brave little kitten a chance at a pain-free future. “The eye couldn’t be saved,” Dr. Verdino said, “but he has full vision in the other eye. There’s no evidence of viral disease, ulcers, or conjunctivitis, so the prognosis is very good.”
Just one day post-surgery, Phantom Fluff began charming everyone he met. “He’s doing great — eating, drinking, comfortable, and in perpetual motion,” Dr. Verdino added. “There’s always a risk of complications such as infection, but so far there are no signs of that. He’s healing beautifully.”
Kittens with one eye may have a slight loss of depth perception, sometimes misjudging a jump or two, but their quality of life remains full and joyful. And Phantom Fluff has already proven he’s unstoppable. After a short recovery stay in our Pet Health Centers, Phantom Fluff will be ready for adoption; healthy, active, and more than ready to begin life with a family who will cherish him. Thanks to the lifesaving veterinary care made possible by our supporters, this once-injured stray now has a bright, pain-free future. Phantom Fluff may have lost an eye, but he’s gained the world.