Puff Kitty In Palm Springs Draws National Attention, Fundraiser Underway

PALM SPRINGS, CA — She's a tiny but mighty kitten who has touched the hearts of many fans of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. Meet Zoe, also known as "Puff Kitty," who has her own portrait and T-shirt to raise funds for Palm Springs shelter pets in need of extra care.

"Puff Kitty" arrived at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter for a reported damaged windpipe that caused an air leak underneath her skin, causing her appearance to "resemble a blimp or balloon," said Veterinarian Dr. Phil Caldwell, medical director of the shelter. She was still healing on Thursday and might be available for adoption after her recovery.

The kitten's real name is Zoe, according to an animal shelter spokesperson.

"She arrived at the shelter about a week ago for having too much air trapped under the skin, otherwise known as subcutaneous emphysema, which made her body appear swollen or puffed up," according to Caldwel.

Caldwell said on social media that Zoe's condition was "possibly brought upon by trauma to her airways, which caused air to go into spaces that shouldn't be air." That essentially had her skin "puff up."

He could not identify what triggered the trauma, he added.

To fix the issue, Caldwell poked Zoe's neck, chest and back area with a needle and extracted the air, and he has been monitoring her progress. The videos have captured national attention as the little kitten is on the road to recovery.

"She is much more deflated, and the air is not coming back," he said. "I've consulted with other veterinarians, and she is bright, alert and feisty, but she's not completely out of the woods yet."

The unusual-looking kitten garnered social media attention, with people giving her nicknames such as "Puff Kitty."

On Thursday, Caldwell announced on social media that Zoe has reached two pounds and was getting better each day.

The shelter announced on Thursday that a T-shirt featuring Zoe's face will be sold through its website, with all proceeds benefiting the shelter's love fund. The fund provides urgent care for animals in crisis.

The T-shirts can be purchased at bit.ly/zoethepuffkitty.

"She's a resilient little kitten," Caldwell said as he cradled the small cat. "I just love her and I'm so happy everyone has fallen for Zoe."

Artist Amber Fossey, also known as Zeppelin Moon, was so moved by Zoe’s journey that they created a design in her honor, capturing the strength and spirit of our little warrior.

She told Patch, of her design:

"As soon as I saw the first video of tiny Zoe inflated with air I couldn't believe how sweet she was and yet also so sassy and courageous, with her giant meows! I love drawing badass animals who defy the odds, so I just had to draw her. It was a total honour and surprise when the Palm Springs Animal Shelter team approached me to use the art for fundraising, and most of all I am so happy that Zoe is recovering and has a bright future ahead of her, with the help of Dr Phil and all the team! They work so hard to save animals in need every day, it is important to recognise the good in the world."

For a limited time, every dollar raised from T-shirt sales goes directly to the Palm Springs Animal Shelter Love Fund.

The Love Fund supports animals at Palm Springs Animal Shelter who arrive with severe medical conditions and need specialized, often life-saving care. Let us know if you've purchased one in support of Little Zoe!