Lake & Helvetica Fought to Survive and Found Each Other

Lake arrived at Paws and Claws on January 4, just 4 weeks old and fighting for his life. He was battling a severe upper respiratory infection that quickly escalated into pneumonia. He struggled to breathe and he required oxygen therapy to survive. For days, it was touch and go—but thanks to round-the-clock care, Lake pulled through.

Once stable, Lake returned to his foster home to continue recovering in a quiet, comfortable space. Slowly but surely, his strength returned, and the playful, energetic kitten underneath began to shine through.

Lake in our treatment room.

Meanwhile, Helvetica was on the verge of her own forever—she had an adopter lined up and was just days away from going home when she spiked a 106-degree fever. Tests pointed to Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), a now treatable diagnosis. Helvetica began treatment immediately and showed remarkable resilience.

After a stay in the shelter for monitoring, she was able to return to her original foster home to heal in comfort and love.

Helvetica in foster (prior to being diagnosed) and in our treatment room healing.

That foster home? The same one where Lake was recovering.

When it was finally safe to let Helvetica and Lake meet, something beautiful happened—they found comfort in one another. Their bond grew strong as they helped one another heal. Their foster watched them curl up together day after day and knew without a doubt they couldn’t be separated.

Lake and Helvetica found each other when they needed it most. Their journey was only possible because of the Paw Print Club. Monthly supporters ensure we’re always ready to respond with urgent medical care, oxygen therapy, and life-saving treatments like FIP medication—no matter how sudden or severe the need.

Join the Paw Print Club today to help more cats like Lake and Helvetica get their second chance.