Update: Joffrey Finds a Home!

On July 9th, the kitten which we named Joffrey, was brought to the Humane Society of Greater Dayton in critical condition, suffering from severe burns and large wounds. Our team immediately began round-the-clock care for him, administering pain relief, changing bandages, and performing necessary procedures to stabilize him and clean and manage his burns.

However, given the extent of his injuries, Joffrey needed specialized care. We transferred him on July 18th to to the Ohio State Veterinary Center. There, he has already undergone two surgeries to treat his large wounds and to correct his ears, which were severely burnt. Unfortunately, due to the extent of his injuries he has also developed a severe infection that is resistant to treatment. This complication has Joffrey on strong antibiotics. We expect him to be at the Ohio State Veterinary Center for at least another three weeks and expect further surgeries will be needed as we continue to try and rehabilitate this poor, innocent kitten.

We’re thrilled to share some fantastic news about Joffrey, the brave kitten who stole your hearts with his story.

Thanks to your incredible support, Joffrey’s spirit remains unbroken and he is making amazing strides in his recovery! Despite still continually being on pain medications, antibiotics and daily bandage changes, Joffrey’s wounds are on the mend! The wounds he sustained in the fire are continuing to heal and with each passing day, he shows less discomfort. He’s a purring, cuddle-loving machine who thrives on affection from his medical team.

Plus, Joffrey’s appetite is in full swing and he is eating like a champ! He’s gobbling up his meals with enthusiasm, a sure sign his body is getting the nourishment it needs to heal.

While Joffrey’s progress is fantastic, there’s one hurdle he had to overcome. The fire tragically caused severe burns to the tissue on both of his ears. Despite the valiant efforts of his veterinary team at OSU Veterinary Center to save them, the tissues became necrotic and both of his ears had to be removed. That being said, Joffrey’s hearing remains unaffected and we like to think that his lack of ears makes him even more adorable.

As he continues to have minor procedures from time to time to make adjustments as his wounds continue to heal, we are hopeful that within a week or two we will be able to bring Joffrey back to us here in Dayton! We want to thank you all for your kind words, encouragement and support as we continue to work to save this kitten. You have each be integral to his recovery!

Less than a day after returning back to Dayton, a truly heartwarming moment came when a registered veterinary technician, one of the first to treat Joffrey at the emergency facility he was taken to by police, visited to check on his progress. Moved by his resilience and eager to give him the love he deserved, she filled out an adoption application. She understood the challenges he faced but was determined to provide him with the ongoing care and affection he would need.

Joffrey’s journey is a powerful reminder of resilience—the bond between animals and humans, and the unwavering spirit of love. His story inspires hope, demonstrating that even in the darkest of times, compassion can shine through.

As Joffrey embarks on this new chapter of his life with his new family, we are filled with excitement for all the wonderful moments ahead. Thank you, Joffrey, for touching our hearts and showing us all the true meaning of bravery and love.