Frozen Cat ‘Thawed’ Back to Life by Vet Team After Being Buried in Snow

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One tenacious cat is testing the theory of nine lives. And thankfully, it seems the proverb is true.

“Fluffy,” a beautiful, grey-and-white long-haired cat from Kalispell, Montana, was found frozen in the snow on Thursday, Jan. 31, after desperately low temperatures swept the region.

She was discovered by her distraught owners “essentially frozen and unresponsive,” with her fur matted down by huge clumps of ice.

Kalispell was under a cloud of icy fog, and temperatures had plummeted to as low as -8 degrees Celsius (17 Fahrenheit). These temperatures put residents in severe danger, not to mention the city’s vulnerable animal population.

Fluffy was rushed to the Animal Clinic of Kalispell. Her owners were doubtful that the poor, frozen feline would make it.

When Fluffy arrived at the clinic, her body temperature was frighteningly low. The clinic’s thermometer had a bottom range of 90 degrees Fahrenheit: Fluffy’s temperature didn’t even register. Was it possible that she had been frozen alive?

“Cats should have a temperature of around 101 degrees,” Dr. Jevon Clark explained, while explaining the story of Fluffy’s ordeal to ABC news.

The veterinary team sprang into action, however, determined to do everything they could to coax the frozen cat out of stasis. The team wrapped Fluffy in blankets and used warm water to help melt the icy clumps.

Two hours later, Fluffy’s temperature was still critically low. She was moved to the emergency room.

Gradually, to the utmost relief of both Fluffy’s owners and the diligent clinic staff who had been working for hours, Fluffy began to come around.

The sweet cat had endured a terrifying and confusing ordeal but, in something of a miracle, managed to make a full recovery. She is now safely back home with her owners, who will possibly not be letting their dear feline companion out of the house again until the snow thaws!

The Animal Clinic of Kalispell team shared Fluffy’s incredible recovery story on Facebook to the surprise and delight of thousands of followers:

“Amazing success and survival story from this week. Some clients found their injured cat buried in snow. They brought her to us essentially frozen and unresponsive. Her temperature was very low but after many hours she recovered and is now completely normal. Fluffy is amazing!”

“This outdoor cat has certainly used up one of her nine lives!” joked one supporter. “Thank goodness someone found her! She’s beautiful!” contributed another.

Thank goodness, indeed. The veterinary team in Kalispell performed nothing short of a miracle, and we hope that Fluffy doesn’t test any of her remaining eight lives any time soon.

Enjoy the rest of the cold weather curled up on a blanket by the fire, Fluffy. You deserve it!

Take care of your pets this winter! How do you feel about Fluffy’s unbelievable recovery? Share your impressions in the comments below.