A kitty who has garnered media attention for appearing like an inflated balloon due to a damaged windpipe was up for adoption Wednesday at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter.
Zoe the kitten arrived at the shelter in March with too much trapped air under the skin, otherwise known as subcutaneous emphysema, which made her body appear swollen or puffed up.
Dr. Phil Caldwell, medical director of the shelter, said on social media that Zoe’s condition was possibly brought upon by trauma to her airways, which caused air to go into spaces that shouldn’t have air. Officials couldn’t identify what triggered the trauma.
To fix the issue, Caldwell poked Zoe’s neck, chest and back area with a needle and extracted the air. Zoe spent a few weeks recovering and is now considered in perfect health.
Some online fans gave Zoe nicknames, including “Puff Kitty” and “Mrs. Puff.”
Caldwell said Wednesday that Zoe was available for adoption through 5 p.m. Sunday. Her adoption fee will be $500, as she is part of the Adoption Heroes Program, and the funds will support care for other animals in the shelter. A candidate will be chosen and notified on Tuesday.
“Based on what we know of her wants and needs, then we will pick out the perfect home for her,” Caldwell said.
The shelter can be reached online or at 760-416-5718.
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