This story was submitted by our shelter friend The Cat House on the Kings. The Cat House on the Kings saves pets’ lives in the Fresno County, California area, and the Animal Rescue Site is proud to share their stories. You can learn more about their work here!

Starting out life without being able to see what's going on around you can enhance your other senses and can help develop a strong connection to others, since you need to depend on them. Teddy started out with his eyes glued shut due to infection. His fight for life and his refusal to give up makes his name even more poignant.

PHOTO: THE CAT HOUSE ON THE KINGS

Teddy didn't receive all that he needed as a baby kitten, as his mother probably didn't have what she needed to give to him. Newborns need a lot to sustain them, to keep them healthy enough to grow. Teddy didn't have that, so his body remained small, and it had a tough time fighting off common diseases. Teddy's body also didn't have the resilience needed when stress levels would rise. His resistance would plummet.

Teddy has, however, become a champion patient, seeming to understand that the yucky medicine will make him better in the long run! He has worked hard to live, plays with the zest of someone who's never suffered, and he loves his companions wholeheartedly. Yes, Teddy has been treated for several bouts of URI (upper respiratory infection), and that can make people nervous about adopting him. In fact, he has been waiting for over a year for his champion adopter!

PHOTO: THE CAT HOUSE ON THE KINGS

However, it is important to understand that when stress levels are reduced, such as living in a home of his own with other kitty sibling playmates, his resilience will rise. It is similar to having human allergies, they can come and go, but under stress, they can be more severe. Put those allergies in a middle school... we know how that can go!

Teddy's sweetness has never waned. He has everyone at The Cat House on the Kings in his fan club, and he even has a sponsor who paid for his adoption to help him on his journey to his own home. He is in another tough situation, though. He is now considered an adult when most adopters are wanting to adopt kittens. He also has to have a companion, as that is at the core of his being and how he knows life is okay. Please help us find adorable Teddy's family.

Below is his profile:

PHOTO: THE CAT HOUSE ON THE KINGS

Do you have a big heart and an abundance of love, kindness, and attention to shower upon a very special kitty? Then look no further than our sweet little one-year-old Teddy. Teddy has had a rough start in this life, and he has used up most of his nine lives. He's a small kitten due to the lack of nutrition as a baby. After being rescued, he has been nurtured back to good health while in loving foster care. He is a tough little survivor with a strong will to live.

Teddy has become a very sweet, affectionate kitten who enjoys lots of loving human attention. He expresses his contentment by nuzzling his humans, purring, and flopping over while being snuggled. However, he can be a little squirmy if you try to pick him up when he is not in the mood to be held. Teddy is very playful and enjoys all kinds of toys, including crumpled paper balls, jingle balls, and chasing the laser pointer dot. He absolutely loves playing with the other kittens in his foster home. In fact, he needs a home with a feline companion as he does not like being alone. Teddy is good with cats, kittens, and children. His reaction to dogs is unknown.

PHOTO: THE CAT HOUSE ON THE KINGS

Teddy is a wonderful little guy - a true survivor, sweet, playful, affectionate, and loving. He deserves a forever home where he will receive the most loving and affectionate care and where he will be given the opportunity to continue to thrive. Teddy needs a home with another kitten or a friendly feline to be his best friend.

If you think you and your feline friend could be just what Teddy needs, apply to adopt him here!

This story was submitted by our shelter friend The Cat House on the Kings in Fresno County, California. Learn more about them here!