From The Rubble

Tornado (front) with one of his siblings

On July 9^th of this year Kristi Powers of Winfield, her husband, and others with Operation BBQ Relief were in Eureka, KS feeding the victims of the tornado that had hit there just two days prior. They were surprised when two men pulled up and said, “We just found some kittens in the rubble. Can you feed them?” 

Kindergartner, Alyssa, promptly replied, “Yes!” Committed by this little girl, Kristi agreed as well expecting older kittens that they could take to live with them in their country home. However, the four tiny babies that were pulled from the debris didn’t have their eyes open yet and still had their umbilical cords attached. They couldn’t have been more than a day or two old.

The group took the wee kittens to local vet, Dr. Dan Droge, who supplied them with formula, bottles, and instructions on bottle feeding kittens. The group fed the kittens every couple of hours during the weekend. Once home, Kristi called on her friend Marlene Mayfield as she knew Marlene has raised bottle-fed kittens in the past. In fact, Marlene has hand raised several kittens for the CCHS. Marlene readily agreed to take over the care of the tiny tabbies. Sadly, three of the little ones did not survive. Ever the fighter, Tornado, so named by Alyssa, not only survived but thrived.

Once he was two months old, Tornado was vetted and ready to go to his furever

Tornado on his vet day

home! The tiny Tornado is unique not only because of his beginnings but he’s also a polydactyl. Polydactyl cats have extra toes making them look like they are wearing mittens. This genetic mutation is harmless and actually quite adorable. Tornado has not one but two bonus toes on each foot. Kristi and her husband adopted him, bringing him full circle back to his saviors. She says, “Tornado is a symbol of how resilient Kansans can be. We cannot thank Marlene Mayfield and the Cowley County Humane Society enough for the time, effort, love and resources that have gotten us to the point of a happy playful kitten.”

We would like to give our thanks to Marlene for fostering this boy with love and devotion and to the Powers family for giving him a home!

Tornado and Cruiser, another one of Marlene's foster cats.