On a chilly evening in Southern California, a fragile, two-week-old kitten sat shivering alone, abandoned and exposed to the cold. He had no mother in sight, and despite hopes she would return, time revealed the heartbreaking truth. The kitten was utterly alone, fighting for survival. But fate had something kinder in store.
Amanda’s Compassionate Mission Begins
Amanda Hodder, a seasoned cat rescuer with a heart full of compassion, came across the kitten. As soon as she saw his trembling body and desperate eyes, she knew she had to act fast. Her commitment to saving vulnerable animals led her to partner with Love Your Feral Felines, a rescue organization focused on nurturing homeless felines.
Without hesitation, Amanda brought the kitten into her care. Weighing just 5 ounces—far below the healthy weight for his age—he needed urgent and continuous attention. Amanda named him Space Bear but chose not to share his name immediately to protect herself and her followers from potential heartbreak.
A Battle for Life
Space Bear’s condition was dire. He was severely underweight, covered in fleas, and lacked an appetite. Amanda updated her followers with cautious honesty.
“My rescue mentors said they were concerned, that he looked like he could be fading,” she shared. The advice she received included administering subcutaneous fluids every eight hours, providing B12 injections, and mixing Pedialyte into his formula.
Amanda followed every step with dedication, staying up night after night to feed him every two hours. She kept him warm using heating disks and blankets, doing everything in her power to ensure his survival. Her followers, deeply moved by his struggle, offered their financial and emotional support.
Signs of Hope and a Name Revealed
Despite his rough start, Space Bear slowly began to improve. With each passing day, his appetite returned, his weight increased, and his once-silent demeanor transformed into a chorus of cheerful purrs. Amanda finally felt confident enough to share his name publicly. Space Bear had not only survived—he had begun to thrive.
In a heartfelt post written from Space Bear’s perspective, Amanda wrote, “I’m continuing to gain weight and show good signs… I’m almost 300 grams, my stools are perfect, and I’m in good spirits.”
Purring Through the Pain
Although Space Bear received regular medications and injections, he never stopped purring. Amanda noticed something peculiar in his development, yet her hope never wavered. “He doesn’t like getting poked with needles, but afterward, the medicine makes him feel better,” she wrote.
Amanda added, “She wakes up every couple of hours to give me yummy formula. She’s sleepy but says I’m worth every moment of rest lost. You can see her effort in my big belly.”
Her tireless commitment to his recovery served as a reminder of the transformative power of love and persistence.
A New Beginning as Bastian
When Space Bear was finally strong enough, he underwent neutering. Despite his small size, the procedure went smoothly. Even the vet staff fell under his adorable spell, charmed by his lively spirit and cuddly personality.
Not long after, Space Bear found a forever home. Adopted and renamed Bastian, he began a new life with a family ready to shower him with the love and security he had once lacked. His journey—from a shivering, abandoned kitten to a joyful companion—was complete.
A Story That Inspires
Amanda’s resilience and care changed the course of one small kitten’s life. Her selfless devotion showcases the true heart of animal rescue. Through patience, sacrifice, and love, she turned a tale of potential tragedy into one of hope.
For those inspired by Bastian’s story, Amanda continues to share her rescue missions on Kitten Rescue Life’s social media platforms. Stories like this remind us of the importance of compassion and the incredible impact one person can have.
Let’s continue to spread kindness, support rescuers, and never forget that even the tiniest lives matter. Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us—what would you name a rescued kitten?