Kitten still purring despite losing front paws

On Thursday, two boys found a 10-week old kitten, its two front paws almost completely severed, in a ditch near an Alaiedon Township wheat field. The medium-haired black-and-white kitten likely had lived that way for a week, officials said. There were maggots in the male kitten's injuries. Still, he purred when he was held.

Ingham County Animal Control Officer Gary Ireland, who went to the scene, thought the kitten might have to be euthanized. Veterinarians weren't sure he would live through the night.

But he did, and a local veterinary hospital has agreed to repair the kitten's front paws. "He stole the hearts of everyone, from the officer to the first veterinarian who looked at him," said Animal Control Director Jamie McAloon Lampman.



The kitten now is affectionately known as Howard the Combine Kitty, because it is believed he was run over by a farm combine. Howard will require several surgeries, and Animal Control is seeking donations to help pay for his care.

Dr. Mark Williamson of Lansing Veterinary Medical Center said Howard will eventually need some form of prosthetic to replace his two front paws, which now have been completely removed. Near-term goals include surgery to remove infected tissue and then getting healthy tissue to grow at the end of his limbs.

"We're doing what we can to get him through this," Williamson said. "He's a trooper. He purrs when we're in there with him."