Lincoln feline center saves kitten with rare, life-threatening condition

FieldHaven Feline Center in Lincoln is sharing the extraordinary survival story of Orage (which is French for Storm), a tiny black kitten who has overcome overwhelming odds thanks to emergency veterinary intervention, specialized surgery and an outpouring of compassion – and who now needs the community's help to finish her journey. Orage arrived at FieldHaven on New Year's Eve, when she was handed to FieldHaven's founder in a box at the end of the day. At first glance, she appeared fragile but alert. Within days, however, staff noticed something was very wrong. Orage was struggling to breathe. She was rushed to the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, where specialists diagnosed her with severe pectus excavatum, a rare congenital condition in which the sternum curves inward, compressing the heart and lungs. Without intervention, the condition would have continued to worsen – eventually crushing her vital organs. Compounding the danger, Orage was also battling pneumonia. "For a terrifying moment, we didn't know if she would survive the night," said Joy Smith, founder and ambassador of FieldHaven. "But Orage fought." She responded to antibiotics. Her breathing improved. She began eating. She purred. In the ICU, she won over everyone she met. Within 24 hours, Orage underwent a delicate, high-risk surgical procedure to place a specialized device designed to gradually correct the deformity in her chest as she grows. Because of her size, every step – and every breath – mattered. During recovery, Orage experienced a complication and was placed on a ventilator to support her breathing. Then came the news everyone hoped for: The surgery was successful. Today, Orage is recovering in foster care with one of FieldHaven's own registered veterinary technicians, where she is monitored closely and even accompanies her to the shelter daily. Her healing process is slow and intentional. Activity must be limited – no easy task for a curious kitten – but enrichment, gentle handling and constant care are helping her thrive. She has a long road ahead, but she's stable, she's healing, and she's alive. The cost of Orage's lifesaving care has been significant. Total hospital and surgical costs were $13,000 while $4,000 in funds has been raised to date. FieldHaven made the decision to move forward with Orage's care without hesitation. "We went all in for her," Smith said. "And we don't regret it for a second." Now, FieldHaven is asking the community to help complete what was started. "If every person who reads Orage's story gave just $10, we could cover her remaining medical costs," said Smith. "No one carrying it alone, just a village doing what villages do." Donations in Orage's honor can be made at https://tinyurl.com/3br6ew5c or by check to FieldHaven Feline Center, 2754 Ironwood Lane, Lincoln, CA 95648. FieldHaven will continue to share updates on its social media as Orage grows stronger and progresses through her recovery. Her prognosis? Optimistic. FieldHaven Feline Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and adoption of cats and kittens throughout Placer County and beyond.