According to a TikTok video, Tater Tot was first discovered by a Newfoundland dog named Bebe while she was exploring the area around her home. Although Bebe often brought home kittens, this one was particularly unique and in need of care.
https://www.tiktok.com/@kittycrusaide/video/7258294675679841582
The kitten’s four legs were malformed. His new foster mom, Ash Houghton, told Newsweek that his front legs were “stuck at the wrist at a 90-degree angle” and his back legs were “completely curly.”
Houghton is co-director of Kitty CrusAIDe, a Utah-based nonprofit animal rescue group that now cares for Tater Tot. In addition to his malformed legs, the kitten was also born with a cleft palate, which makes it difficult for him to latch onto a bottle, so he had to be tube-fed.
Instagram/ourfosterbabes
But despite the challenges, rescuers are committed to providing this kitten with the best possible care to give him a chance at life.
“We have a long road ahead of us, but he is a fighter and we will do everything we can to help this special guy not only survive but thrive!” Ash wrote on Instagram.
Tater Tot got his name through a naming contest that raised money for his medical expenses. According to the emergency services, Tater Tot received corrective splints on his front legs (he doesn’t seem to like them, but I hope they will hopefully correct the malformed without requiring surgery) and they are waiting until Tater Tot is a little bigger and stronger until they can come up with a game plan for his other issues.
Instagram/ourfosterbabes
Today, Tater Tot is in great spirits and has become a huge online celebrity, with many people following his inspiring story.
“I’ve always shared my foster kittens online in various cat groups, but people seemed to really get attached to this little guy,” Houghton told Newsweek. “I knew he was cute, but I didn’t think the world would love him so much. We certainly weren’t prepared to go viral the way he has!”
Instagram/ourfosterbabes
“The world loves an underdog and this little guy has a lot of things working against him. A lot of people have said that his fight and his zest for life were truly inspiring and I know he was a bit of an inspiration to me.
Tater Tot is a very inspiring kitten – we wish him all the best in his recovery and hope he continues to do well! Thanks to everyone who saved him!