Every day, this orphaned and ailing kitten finds solace in slumber, cuddled up next to a comforting stuffed toy that provides a sense of warmth and security, revealing the healing power of companionship and comfort.

Nigel the kitten, in his brightly colored bandages, became a ray of hope in Maui. The tiny kitten somehow survived devastating fires in Lahaina. Then, a First Responder spotted him and carried him to the Maui Humane Society. On the way, they fell in love with the tiny survivor.

Nigel walked through burning debris, and all four of his paws were scorched. That’s why he needed to wear bandages and receive high-tech treatments for many weeks. Everyone fell in love with the cute tabby in his green, pink, and yellow leggings and soft flower cone collar.

Nigel Walks Through Fire and Melted Hearts

At the Maui Humane Society, Nigel received ongoing treatment for his burns, each time requiring sedation because he was in such pain. His foster mom Tiffaney gave him his name and carried him back to the shelter for weekly treatments, which included laser treatment, medicated burn creams, and more fresh, colorful bandages.

After over a month of treatment, Nigel was finally ready to graduate to life without the bandages at last! He met new furry friends in his foster home and had lots of love to speed up the recovery process.

“He’s been doing great out of his bandages for about a week now, he’s been hanging with the big cats (Tiffaney’s cats at home) and enjoying being a full kitten again,” Tiffaney shared.

Nigel meets new friends in foster care

“I get one more week with my little love to make sure recovery from his surgery goes well and as long as he has no medical setbacks he gets to go this finders/adopters on the 30th!” she said.

That’s right, the First Responder who found him decided to adopt him into their Ohana or family! 

Nigel Finds His Ohana Family

After the bandages came off, Nigel was ready for surgery and then off to his furever home.

“Nigel’s rescuers knew he belonged with their Ohana from the moment they saved him,” they shared.

“Our fingers are crossed hoping Nigel has a successful recovery from his surgery so that way he can be adopted and reunited with his rescuers once again! Mahalo to Nigel’s finders for saving him off the street and bringing him to Maui Humane Society, Mahalo to our vet staff and to Tiffaney for taking such great care of Nigel, and all of the burn patients/animals in Maui Humane Society’s care! We’re in the home stretch Nigel, you’re almost there!” Maui Humane Society shared.

Rescued Fire Cats Just Want to Play and Give Love

You can see that even though Nigel and his fellow fire cat rescues, like Ho’omau (perseverance), had to wear bandages and cones, they just wanted to play and give love anyway. Such is the resilient and ameowzing feline spirit!

Thank you to all those who are helping the Maui Fire Cats and other animals on the long road to recovery.

For more, you can follow the Maui Humane Society on Facebook and Instagram. Find out more on their website.