A woman gave a stray kitten a chance at a full life, who now wears a crooked yet gorgeous smile every day.
Zombi the kittenAhsen @zikrettinn
A stray kitten was brought into a vet clinic in poor condition. She was covered in filth and suffered from severe infections (including Calicivirus), which had caused tissue loss around her mouth.
Ahsen, an animal rescuer in Turkey, was informed about the kitten and rushed to see her. The little stray was scruffy, reeking, dirty and very sick, but as soon as she spotted a visitor, she propped up on her feet, and put her paw through the kennel door, reaching for love.
"They said she was too small and wouldn't last, but she persisted," Ahsen shared.
Ahsen @zikrettinn
Ahsen couldn't leave without giving the kitten a fighting chance. She took the little one home and gave her a space to herself so she could start healing.
The kitten, named Zombi, was given a grim prognosis, but Ahsen was resolute to do everything she could to help her recover. She cleaned her mouth and started her on medication.
Ahsen @zikrettinn
Zombi's mouth had become crooked as the result of the infections. She had a long road to recovery but was remarkably content having a comfortable place to nestle in and a loving human to keep her company.
Ahsen diligently cleaned her mouth and applied meds to treat her wounds. She provided supplemental care for her anemia and made sure the kitten was always loved.
Ahsen @zikrettinn
For the first time in a while, the kitten was eating without crying, and she was able to drink from a water fountain. Whenever Ahsen catered to her needs, Zombi was fully appreciative and soaking up all the attention.
Over the next few weeks, Zombi put on plenty of healthy weight, and her mouth was healing nicely. After extracting two lower teeth, she was able to eat a lot easier without discomfort.
Zombi has transformed into a happy, healthy, playful catAhsen @zikrettinn
Knowing she was going to make it, Ahsen could finally breathe a sigh of relief, and make Zombi an official member of her big family.
The sweet kitty received her much-needed spa day after nearly two months of recovery. She was getting ready to mingle with the rest of the feline crew.
Ahsen @zikrettinn
The kitten with a permanent smile on her face joined the other resident cats who accepted her as their own.
They showed Zombi how to play with toys and welcomed her to dine with them.
Zombi became a permanent part of the family and joined the rest of the feline crewAhsen @zikrettinn
Zombi immediately took to Zikri the tuxedo cat and started following him around, as if they had been together all their lives.
The kitten has learned that she is an excellent wrestler and that Zikri has the patience of a saint to put up with her unbridled energy.
Zombi took to Zikri the tuxedo cat and decided to be his best friendAhsen @zikrettinn
"Being able to help animals like Zombi makes me happy. It is an invaluable feeling to be able to say 'we succeeded,' to see their change and to be instrumental in this."
The sweet kitty emanates joy everywhere she goes with her adorable smile and larger-than-life personality. She is living everyday to the fullest with a family of her dreams.
Happy and lovedAhsen @zikrettinn
Share this story with your friends. Follow Zombi and Ahsen's cats on Instagram @zikrettinn.
Related story: Kitten with Adorable 'Blep' Gets Back on His Paws After Being Found Abandoned in a Yard