Category Archives: Cats/Kittens

Juni (Previously Known As Zyra)–Once Starving, Now Thriving

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11/18/25. Her journey is exactly why we do what we do. ❤️

Zyra — now known as Juni — is a powerful reminder of why our mission is so important and so necessary. When we took her on at the end of August, she was a heartbreaking starvation case. The before photo you see is the very picture I received the night we stepped in to help, and without emergency intervention, she would not have survived.

Because of your support, we were able to get her the urgent care she desperately needed. Today, she’s beginning a beautiful new chapter in her forever home as Juni, surrounded by love, play, and pure happiness.

The after photo shows the incredible transformation your kindness makes possible.

Right now, donations are very low, and we understand the holidays are approaching and times are tough for many. But if you’re able, even a few dollars makes a meaningful difference.

Please consider supporting our work so we can continue being there for the animals who have no one else. Every small gift helps us save lives just like hers.

9/21/25 Update: Happy news on Zyra, our starvation case that we suspect was abused and neglected because of the injuries and condition.

We did not expect Zyra to survive after presenting with hypoglycemia, starvation, emaciation, neurological, and injured with possible fractured nose and soft tissue trauma to her jaw.

Her foster mom, Brenda, is a seasoned veterinary technician who was able to get an IV catheter placed as this kitten was dying before our eyes. After 6 days of fluids that she desperately needed, hospitalization, 24-hour, around-the-clock warming devices, small feedings, and symptomatic treatment, she lived!

Zyra is now just over 2 pounds, about 4 to 5 months old, and in need of a home to call her own.

Her personality is beginning to shine and I truly want to thank our supporters, her rescuer Lilly, Brenda, her family, and Moore Veterinary Hospital for NEVER GIVING UP!

Located in Macomb County. If you are serious and feel you are the perfect match for Zyra please email
Gina.4paws1heart@gmail.com and I will forward them along.

Applications are being accepted, but please be patient to hear back.

This little girl is very special, and we know that she survived for a reason. Thank you! <3

Your Monetary Gift = Their Second Chance

0907: I wanted to post a happy update about the kitten who we believe was intentionally starved with facial trauma.

I have never seen a kitten with this much will to live. She was unresponsive, hypoglycemic, hypothermic, neurological, injured, in shock, and in need of IV fluids for almost a week. She was pretty much dying as Brenda Girard placed the IV in her tiny little bruised dehydrated legs with a thread for a vein. We felt like we were torturing her, but I just couldn’t put her down without trying fluids.

Once food hit her stomach her body rejected it and she became more critical. It took days of 24 hour monitoring and care to keep her stable.

Now, this little angel is doing great! She is gaining weight and healing physically and emotionally. She knows that she will never be hurt again. Turns out this is a girl so we are back to calling her Zyra.

Her food is very expensive but she needs a good quality food for nutrition. She’s on Royal Canin Kitten Pate. If you can donate towards medical or food please drop it off at Moore Veterinary Hospital in St. Clair Shores.

She has no muscle in her legs and she is mostly bones but she is healing and that’s what matters. Zyra will need a forever home.

Your Monetary Gift = Their Second Chance

8/31 Update: Zyra’s jaw is damaged and worse than we thought. He is totally able to eat but the skin is detached on the lower left side where we noticed a scab. This just fits along with the abusive environment he was removed from. He remains on IV fluids and supportive care. This is day 5 and he has long a way to go. Keep prayers coming.

8/27 Update: This little guy is fighting for his life today. He crashed this morning and needed an IV catheter, fluids with additive, and hourly monitoring. His weight went down a bit, and there was blood in his diarrhea, but he was a little fighter, and at 3:30pm, he was alert and eating. This whole process is taking so much out of him, but he is a survivor, and we will keep going as long as he is trying to live. He is only one pound. Very, very, malnourished.

Thank you, Brenda Girard and Natalie Girard, for being there every step of the way and for taking him home for another night of around the clock care.

Also, I know a lot of people have been eager to get an update, and I apologize for it taking this long, but I have been directly involved in his decisions and care. This was the soonest I could post an update today.

Please keep this guy in your prayers.

8/26/25: As of right now we suspect this was a case of severe neglect and starvation. I was contacted yesterday about a kitten that was unresponsive (pic attached). In the middle of my work shift, I asked the rescuer to rub honey on the kittens’ gums to temporarily help with hypoglycemia and 4 paws 1 heart offered to get the kitten help.

First thing this morning, this baby was transported to Moore Veterinary Hospital where the amazing staff provided hourly care throughout the entire day (warming devices, fed, fluids, hydrated, clean, etc). He is positive for coccidia, emaciated, cold, hungry, hurt, dehydrated, scared, confused, yet a SURVIOVR.

Everything is being done to help him live. Thankfully the rescuer, Lilian, did not give up on him and she reached out for help. She is his Angel!

Now, we need to get him recovered from this critical state of malnourishment. Please say prayers, please help by donating, and know that it is because of you that we can give this 1 pound kitten a fighting chance. HUGE thank you to Brenda Girard for taking him home tonight to provide around the clock supportive care.

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Ember & Echo — Two Tiny Fighters Ready for a Fresh Start!

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11/18/25 Meet Ember and Echo, two tiny babies who were found huddled in a bush, crying for help with no mom in sight.

These little ones will need full medical care: vaccines, deworming, a fecal check, bloodwork, and eventually spay/neuter. We’ve stepped in to help cover their needs so they can have the healthy, hopeful start they deserve.

For now, they’re safe in a foster home where they’re getting tons of love, socialization, playtime with toys, and the chance to finally make happy memories.

If you’re interested in adopting one (or both!) of these sweet babies, please reach out to Jessica at j3ssica_l33s@yahoo.com. She tirelessly helps stray animals through independent rescue, and your support means everything.

It truly takes a village — thank you for being part of theirs.

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Handsome’s Possible Raccoon Attack 🐾

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11/13/25: Meet Handsome.

We were contacted about an urgent situation involving a stray kitty crying in pain with a badly swollen paw. Thankfully, a kind rescuer brought him to safety and reached out for help. Today, we were able to cover his hospital visit, where the staff suspects his injury may have been caused by a raccoon attack.

A huge thank you to Jennifer for not turning your back on him, and to Hollow Corners Veterinary Hospital for seeing him right away.

Handsome will still need to be neutered and fully vetted once he’s healed, but he’s finally safe and on the road to recovery.

If you’d like to help us help him, please consider donating. Every bit makes a difference.

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Cookie Dough’s Story

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11/12/25: A few months ago a kind woman opened her heart and home when a stray mom cat appeared on her porch — not alone, but with five tiny kittens following close behind. It was as if this brave mom knew where to go for help. Sadly, what began as a story of hope soon turned tragic.

Despite love and care, the mother cat passed away, and not long after, one of her babies lost his battle with illness. Now, another kitten from the litter — sweet little Cookie Dough — is facing a serious medical crisis. One of his eyes ruptured, and he’s in pain.

Cookie Dough is scheduled for eye removal surgery tomorrow, and we’re stepping in to help cover his care. But with so many medical cases coming in and donations running low, we’re truly in need of your help.

Every dollar helps us continue our mission — to give innocent, homeless animals the medical care they need to survive and heal. Without support, so many like Cookie Dough won’t get the chance they deserve.

🙏 If you can, please consider donating toward Cookie Dough’s surgery and recovery. Your compassion helps turn heartbreak into hope.

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Siblings Snickers and Marley: Healthy and Healing and Need A Home

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11/11/25: Snickers and Marley were found living outside with a colony of sick cats. Some of their siblings sadly didn’t survive from severe respiratory issues likely caused by viruses.

We are helping the neighbor and homeowner spay and neuter some of the other cats in the area to stop the spread of disease and prevent more kittens from being born into hardship.

Thanks to your support, they are now healthy, healing, and will soon be spayed and neutered. Snickers and Marley are healing and the rescuer would like to adopt them out as a pair. Please contact Vicki at atrednecks13@att.net

There are so many more that need our help. Please donate today to help us continue our mission. Gina

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A Happy Update: Pickles In Her Forever Home!

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11/10/25 Update: A Happy Update! A couple of months ago, we shared the story of Pickles, the tiny kitten found hiding under a van in the parking lot of Moore Veterinary Hospital in St. Clair Shores.

Our practice manager couldn’t stop worrying about this scared little baby, so she set a trap — and Pickles, hungry and desperate for help, went right in.

Thanks to 4 Paws 1 Heart, Pickles received her medical testing and vaccinations, and our amazing friend Tracey took her home to shower her with love and help her learn to trust. Now look at her! Pickles is thriving in her forever home, surrounded by love and three furry kitty siblings.

Stories like Pickles’ are made possible because of you — your donations truly save lives. Thank you for helping us make happy endings like this possible! -Gina

10/14/25 Update: Pickles Has A Home! A few weeks ago this little sweet girl was found in the parking lot of a local veterinary hospital in Saint Clair Shores. A trap was set to secure her and within a matter of hours, she was brought to safety by our manager and technician Brenda.

She was scared, hungry, minor injuries and a terrible urinary tract infection.

4 paws 1 heart covered her treatments, meds, vaccines, dewormer, flea preventative, and combo test. One of their amazing assistants, Tracey, took Pickles home to socialize her and give her comfort until placement was found.

I’m very happy to say that she found her forever home very quickly with someone who absolutely adores her and will be picking her up this weekend.

Happy endings for Pickles! -Gina

10/2/25: This tiny kitten was seen looking for food and scared to death. A trap was set to secure her so that she could have a chance at a healthy life and a forever deserving home. The staff at the hospital has been rotating taking care of her and they’ve named her “Pickles”. Last night Tracey took the baby home for some one on one love and TV time.4 Paws 1 Heart has offered to cover the vetting and this little peanut needs a place to call HOME. Thank you Brenda Girard for saving this baby.

Located in St Clair Shores. Email me if you are serious about adoption and I will forward anyone interested over to proper source. Gina.4paws1heart@gmail.com

If you would like to donate towards “Pickles” you can do so at our link below. Thank you!

Your Monetary Gift = Their Second Chance

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Smokey’s World Turned Upside Down Far Too Soon

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11/10/25: This tiny kitten, Smokey, was found with a badly broken arm — an injury too severe to repair. The only way to give him a pain-free, happy life now is through amputation surgery.
He’s still just a baby, so we are waiting until he is a little bigger and less of an anesthetic risk.

We’re raising funds to cover his surgery and medical care so he can finally know comfort and safety — something every kitten deserves.

Huge thank you to his rescuers, Melissa and Kathy for not turning your back.

🙏 Please consider donating or sharing to help this little one heal. Every dollar makes a difference.

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Jade’s Journey: Fifteen Years Old & Out of Options Until Compassion Stepped In

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11/10/25: When we shared Jade’s story on September 11th, we never imagined how far it would reach. This sweet 15-year-old cat had just lost her home — not because she wasn’t loved, but because her devoted owner was battling cancer and had to move out of state for chemotherapy. Heartbroken and without anyone to help, he brought Jade to the vet hospital believing humane euthanasia was his only option.

But that’s when compassion stepped in.

I promised to try everything to find Jade a new home — and thanks to you, and Community Cat Care, her story was shared far and wide. Offers of help came pouring in, and a kind friend of 4 Paws 1 Heart graciously opened his home to care for Jade while we searched for the perfect match.

A few weeks ago, I narrowed down a handful of potential adopters, and last week, Jade finally met the family who would change her life forever. The connection was instant. She went home that same day — and has already started coming out of her shell, enjoying cozy naps and gentle affection from her new family. She especially warmed up to the husband.
I called her previous owner in Florida to share the good news. He thanked me and expressed how much peace it gave him knowing Jade is loved and safe.

💗 This is what community looks like.
💗 This is what compassion can do.
💗 This is why we never stop believing in second chances.

Thank you to everyone who shared, commented, and cared. Because of you, Jade’s story didn’t end in heartbreak — it became a story of hope. -Gina

9/11/25 UPDATE: Due to the emails flooding in to help Jade, I have decided it’s best to put her in a foster situation with a trusted person and have a rescue group handle the placement because I can not respond or filter through the messages in a timely manner.
I wasn’t expecting the overwhelming and positive response so THANK YOU!

I appreciate all the help and I will update as soon as I can. I will keep all interested email inquires that I continue to get in a folder to have a rescue follow up.
Thank you for your patience and kindness while searching for a forever home for Jade.

9/11/25: PLEASE HELP ME SAVE JADE. A man came in to the vet yesterday and said he has cancer and needs to move out of state for treatment.

He had to sell his house and he can’t take his only companion. He had 2 options lined up but they fell through and in one week he has to be out of his home. Jade has to go, or he has no choice but to put her down. He is not on social media so I am trying my best to network her for placement. Please email me at gina.4paws1heart@gmail.com if you can truly help. There has to be someone who can save Jade.

We will cover getting her fully checked out. He could hardly hold back the tears and here is what he wrote as he describes the best environment for her. Gina

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Hi my name is Jade, I’m 15 years old female cat and looking for a my forever home. My favorite thing’s are sleeping on my favorite pillow, I like to play with my toys mostly at night, I like cat nip on my scratchy pad, catching bugs, getting scratches and being brushed. My favorite foods are Friskiest “pate”, salmon with extra gravy, mix grill, and sea captains choice, and temptations snack treats throughout the day, sometimes a few licks of ice cream. Foods I don’t like are anything chicken or turkey. I’m a shy cat until I get to know you and once I know I’m safe. I don’t like a lot of load noise, It would be better if living with you if you had no young children and lead a more quieter life style, when strangers are around I like to stay in my crate and sleep. But once I feel safe, I’m a very loving cat that likes to sleep next to my owner allot, and get allot of attention and love. I don’t jump on tables or countertops, I’ll lay on the couch only if it’s ok and I have something to lay on. I’m very clean and don’t get into any messes. So if want a new best friend I’m here, just be patient with me because I’m will be nervous and scared until in get to know you. Thank you

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Jose: From The Streets To Safety

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11/6/25: Jose spent months surviving outside until one day she showed up with a tiny kitten, her baby, Simba! A kind neighbor couldn’t turn away and reached out for help.

Last week, both were seen at the vet for exams, vaccines, and testing — all made possible because of you. Thank you! ❤️

Your support gives stray animals like Jose and Simba the medical care and second chance they deserve.

Your Monetary Gift = Their Second Chance

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Talkative, Loving, and Ready for a Home: Meet Gizmo

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11/5/25: He starts talking the moment you meet him ❤️ Just one week ago this 2-year-old boy was found outside. His body weathered and torn, his spirit tired…yet his eyes still full of hope. He’s incredibly friendly and talkative, desperate for affection and comfort. Despite the pain he’s endured, all he wants is to be loved.

He needs a tail amputation due to a traumatic injury, along with basic medical care to help him heal. His rescuer has been keeping him safe, but sadly can’t keep him much longer — and no owner could be found.

Now, we’re urgently looking for a foster or forever home — someone to give him the love and safety he’s been searching for. We believe his path led him to us for a reason because somewhere out there is a kind soul whose life he’s meant to change.

Please, if you can, share his story, donate, or reach out to help this boy finally find the love he’s been waiting for.

His name is Gizmo and he is a gray tabby located in Macomb County Michigan. -Gina

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