Amir is a stunning medium length-haired orange kitten with a heartwarming story of resilience. This little warrior had a rough start—rescued from the streets with a nasty cold and an eye infection. His journey wasn’t easy. A well-meaning community member accidentally administered his oral medication into his eyes, causing complications that could have left him blind. Thankfully, we stepped in just in time, and Amir fully recovered!
Just when things were looking up, Amir faced another life-threatening challenge. At just 1 pound, he struggled to breathe and needed emergency surgery for a diaphragmatic hernia. During the procedure, his tiny heart stopped for 9 seconds—but this little fighter wasn’t ready to give up! He made a miraculous recovery. However, during surgery, he also developed an eye ulcer. While he can still see just fine, his veterinarian is currently treating the issue.
After the surgery, we noticed a small divot below Amir’s rib cage. Initially, his veterinarian suspected pneumonia, but when it didn’t clear up, further evaluation led to a new diagnosis.
This diagnosis was pectus excavatum, a condition where his chest is sunken in, making it harder for him to breathe. Given his medical history, we consulted two veterinarians, who both agreed that surgery would be far too risky—he might not survive the procedure. Without surgery, Amir is expected to live about eight good years, after which his heart may start to struggle due to the extra work it takes to breathe. Despite this, he doesn’t let anything slow him down! He runs, plays, and wrestles with other kittens, having learned to pace himself and take breaks when needed.
One thing that makes Amir extra special? He’s a HUGE cuddler and a total purr machine! If you’re looking for a kitten who will snuggle with you for hours, let you carry him around like a baby, and be your constant companion, Amir is your perfect match!
Amir needs to go to a home with another young cat or be adopted with a buddy—he will cry if he’s left alone without feline friends. Amir really loves his good friend Bixby and would love to be adopted with her. He is also small for his age.
Most Common Question about Amir: What dangers can he face in our home with his condition?
Pectus excavatum is his main challenge. His chest is slightly compressed, which can make breathing a bit harder for him. Some risks in the future are:
Overexertion – Amir has learned to pace himself, but too much intense play without breaks could cause him to tire out faster than other kittens. He may need a little encouragement to rest if he gets too excited.
Respiratory Infections – Since his chest shape affects his breathing, severe respiratory infections (like pneumonia) could be harder on him than a typical kitten. Keeping him in a clean environment and watching for signs of congestion is important.
Anesthesia Risks – While he has been cleared for neutering under careful monitoring, any future procedures requiring anesthesia should be done with extreme caution.
Long-Term Heart Strain – Over time (many years down the road), his heart may have to work harder, so regular vet checkups will be key to monitoring his health.
That said, Amir is currently thriving—he plays, snuggles, and lives like any other kitten! He just needs a loving adopter who understands his condition and is willing to give him the best quality of life possible while he is here with us.
Prior to adoption, all kittens are spayed/neutered, tested for FIV/FELV, vaccinated and microchipped. Kittens under 5 months old must be adopted with a buddy or into a house where there's a kitten-friendly pet.
This kitten is currently in a foster home. To meet this kitten, please fill out an adoption application so that we'll have your contact information, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. www.thedancingcat.org/adopt
March 27, 2025, 3:54 pm
Amir is a stunning medium length-haired orange kitten with a heartwarming story of resilience. This little warrior had a rough start—rescued from the streets with a nasty cold and an eye infection. His journey wasn’t easy. A well-meaning community member accidentally administered his oral medication into his eyes, causing complications that could have left him blind. Thankfully, we stepped in just in time, and Amir fully recovered!
Just when things were looking up, Amir faced another life-threatening challenge. At just 1 pound, he struggled to breathe and needed emergency surgery for a diaphragmatic hernia. During the procedure, his tiny heart stopped for 9 seconds—but this little fighter wasn’t ready to give up! He made a miraculous recovery. However, during surgery, he also developed an eye ulcer. While he can still see just fine, his veterinarian is currently treating the issue.
After the surgery, we noticed a small divot below Amir’s rib cage. Initially, his veterinarian suspected pneumonia, but when it didn’t clear up, further evaluation led to a new diagnosis.
This diagnosis was pectus excavatum, a condition where his chest is sunken in, making it harder for him to breathe. Given his medical history, we consulted two veterinarians, who both agreed that surgery would be far too risky—he might not survive the procedure. Without surgery, Amir is expected to live about eight good years, after which his heart may start to struggle due to the extra work it takes to breathe. Despite this, he doesn’t let anything slow him down! He runs, plays, and wrestles with other kittens, having learned to pace himself and take breaks when needed.
One thing that makes Amir extra special? He’s a HUGE cuddler and a total purr machine! If you’re looking for a kitten who will snuggle with you for hours, let you carry him around like a baby, and be your constant companion, Amir is your perfect match!
Amir needs to go to a home with another young cat or be adopted with a buddy—he will cry if he’s left alone without feline friends. Amir really loves his good friend Bixby and would love to be adopted with her. He is also small for his age.
Most Common Question about Amir: What dangers can he face in our home with his condition?
Pectus excavatum is his main challenge. His chest is slightly compressed, which can make breathing a bit harder for him. Some risks in the future are:
Overexertion – Amir has learned to pace himself, but too much intense play without breaks could cause him to tire out faster than other kittens. He may need a little encouragement to rest if he gets too excited.
Respiratory Infections – Since his chest shape affects his breathing, severe respiratory infections (like pneumonia) could be harder on him than a typical kitten. Keeping him in a clean environment and watching for signs of congestion is important.
Anesthesia Risks – While he has been cleared for neutering under careful monitoring, any future procedures requiring anesthesia should be done with extreme caution.
Long-Term Heart Strain – Over time (many years down the road), his heart may have to work harder, so regular vet checkups will be key to monitoring his health.
That said, Amir is currently thriving—he plays, snuggles, and lives like any other kitten! He just needs a loving adopter who understands his condition and is willing to give him the best quality of life possible while he is here with us.
Prior to adoption, all kittens are spayed/neutered, tested for FIV/FELV, vaccinated and microchipped. Kittens under 5 months old must be adopted with a buddy or into a house where there's a kitten-friendly pet.
This kitten is currently in a foster home. To meet this kitten, please fill out an adoption application so that we'll have your contact information, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. www.thedancingcat.org/adopt
We are located at 702 East Julian Street San Jose CA 95112.
We are located at 702 East Julian Street San Jose CA 95112.
More about this rescue
We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) animal rescue organization dedicated to saving local at-risk shelter pets from the San Jose Animal Care Center. Our goal is to give adoptable animals a chance to shine in a casual and relaxed environment, and expand opportunity for adoptions, thereby reducing the euthanasia rate in Silicon Valley. The Dancing Cat also seeks to create a community of cat lovers by providing a place for fun social and educational events.
We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) animal rescue organization dedicated to saving local at-risk shelter pets from the San Jose Animal Care Center. Our goal is to give adoptable animals a chance to shine in a casual and relaxed environment, and expand opportunity for adoptions, thereby reducing the euthanasia rate in Silicon Valley. The Dancing Cat also seeks to create a community of cat lovers by providing a place for fun social and educational events.
Other pets at this
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We'll also keep you updated on Chairman's adoption status with email updates.
$350 in savings for new adopters
PetSmart is offering new adopters a free adoption kit. Just show your adoption paperwork in-store to redeem!
PetSmart is offering new adopters a free adoption kit. Just show your adoption paperwork in-store to redeem!
