Meet Cricket

Cricket was only three months old and the tiniest of a litter of three who were surrendered to North Shore Animal League America. Alarmingly, he was half the size of his siblings.

Cricket’s bloodwork revealed a significantly depressed thyroid function, and he was diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism, a condition rarely seen in cats. The thyroid hormone is important for the development of the nervous and skeletal systems; kittens lacking this hormone will have related symptoms, such as mental dullness and smaller than usual proportions. If left untreated, this condition could be fatal. “Hypothyroidism is very treatable,” said Dr. Mark Verdino, Animal League America Chief of Veterinary Staff, “especially when it is caught early. And with a daily dose of synthetic thyroid hormone, many of Cricket’s symptoms can be reversed.” Cricket will require this medication for the rest of his life. Thank you for sponsoring this little fellow!

A donation to our Pet Sponsorhip Program will provide Cricket, and all our Sponsor animals, with a lifetime of compassionate care.

2024 Updates

February 2024

Cricket (aka Boba) is doing great, reported mom Pola, and thankfully there haven’t been any changes in his medical condition. Boba has been busy bringing joy and laughter to his whole family. They reflect daily on lucky they are to have him, which makes it easy when he gets bossy: “Boba has gotten very vocal recently and demands to snuggle regardless of what you’re doing, and he always wins!”

2023 Updates

November 2023

Cricket (aka Boba) has been a part of his new family for over a year now, and they still appreciate every day they have with him. “Boba makes any bad day better,” said mom Pola. “He always comes running to the door to greet us when we come home.” And while all his housemates absolutely adore him, Boba and his feline sister Momo “are literally inseparable!”

May 2023

Cricket (aka Boba) has been getting very good reports during his recent visits to the Pet Health Centers, reported mom Pola, and he is growing well. “He is such a trooper each time he gets his bloodwork,” she said. “And now that he’s getting bigger, he finds a way to explore all the places he couldn’t before.” Boba has also finally found his voice, and now that he’s learned to meow he is making sure his whole family knows it!

March 2023

Boba has been the greatest gift for his new family, who said they couldn’t wait to take his home from the first day they met him. His mom Pola reported that he adores his feline sibling Momo, and they can often be found cuddling with each other: “Despite his small size, he manages to keep up with her and loves climbing to his favorite spot by the window. Boba truly brings so much joy to all of us. We are very grateful for his sponsors!”