Dying Bobcat Kitten Saved After CPR, Blood Transfusion

A gardener in San Clemente discovered something heartbreaking in the bushes last October: a tiny bobcat kitten, barely clinging to life.

The kitten arrived at Serrano Animal & Bird Hospital in Orange County completely unresponsive. Staff performed CPR and gave her an emergency blood transfusion from a domestic cat to keep her alive.

Four days later, California Department of Fish and Wildlife transported the critical patient to San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center. She was battling severe emaciation, anemia, mange, and parasites.

"The kitten arrived in incredibly poor shape, battling everything from parasites to extreme malnutrition," said Dr. Alexis Wohl, wildlife veterinary manager at San Diego Humane Society. Her fur was patchy and thin, her body frail.

The team housed her in an outdoor enclosure designed to mimic her natural environment. Over four months, she received iron supplements, fluids, and antiparasitic medications while practicing her hunting skills.

The transformation was remarkable. The weak, hairless kitten grew into a powerful young predator with a full coat and strong muscles.

Sunny's Take

This rescue shows what's possible when everyday people recognize wildlife in crisis and experts step in with dedication. A gardener didn't walk past the bushes. Emergency veterinarians didn't give up when the kitten arrived lifeless. Rehabilitation specialists invested four months of careful treatment.

The Ramona Wildlife Center specializes in caring for apex predators and large mammals, including bobcats, bears, and mountain lions. San Diego Humane Society's Project Wildlife program serves as a primary resource for wildlife rehabilitation across the region.

On Sunday, the team opened the enclosure door. The young bobcat walked confidently back into the wild, fully healed and ready to thrive in her native habitat.