Even the saddest beginnings can sometimes lead to the brightest endings. That truth became clear for one Portland foster mom, whose heartbreaking experience with a deadly feline virus turned into a story of resilience, hope, and love.
A Deadly Diagnosis
Jessica Thompson, a Portland veterinarian and devoted foster caregiver, has long opened her home to vulnerable cats. But a few years ago, she faced one of her toughest battles when a highly contagious virus struck the kittens in her care.
The illness was feline panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, a fast-spreading disease especially dangerous for young kittens. The virus attacks cells in the intestines, bone marrow, and immune system, often proving fatal.
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Jessica soon found herself caring for a litter of four fragile kittens—Acorn, Maple, Raven, and Nutmeg—after their mother, Autumn, died from a calicivirus infection. Although initial tests showed no sign of panleukopenia, the kittens quickly grew weaker.
Heartbreak and Loss
Within days, the tragedy deepened. Tiny Acorn tested positive for parvovirus and pneumonia. Despite Jessica’s efforts, he didn’t survive. Soon after, his siblings Maple and Raven also passed away.
Jessica shared her grief with followers on Instagram, noting that rescues across Oregon were seeing record numbers of panleukopenia cases that year. “It’s terrible this year,” she wrote. “It’s in the strays, and unfortunately, I brought it into my home again when I was trying to help.”
But amid the heartbreak, one small fighter held on: Nutmeg.
Nutmeg the Survivor
Against all odds, Nutmeg’s tiny body fought back. Jessica isolated her, monitored every sign of improvement, and poured all her care into keeping her alive. Slowly, Nutmeg regained her strength.
Eventually, she rejoined the other cats in the household, her spirit undimmed. Jessica described her as joyful and resilient — the kind of kitten who seemed to dance to life’s rhythm, as if swaying along to a Taylor Swift song.
Brando’s Battle
Nutmeg wasn’t the only miracle. Around the same time, another kitten named Brando faced the same deadly diagnosis after losing his brother to panleukopenia. His case was critical, and Jessica rushed him to an emergency clinic for round-the-clock care.
Thanks to fundraising support from her online community, Jessica was able to cover Brando’s treatment. Within days, his condition turned around. His appetite returned, his blood counts improved, and his energy slowly came back.
“Brando update!” Jessica posted. “He’s eating on his own, his poop is firming up, and his white blood cell count is higher.”
Fighters Who Found Forever Homes
Together with another survivor, Toast, Brando and Nutmeg became symbols of resilience. They not only survived but thrived — proof that hope can outlast even the toughest battles.
When the time came for adoption, both kittens were matched with loving families who already had ties to Jessica’s foster network.
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Nutmeg, renamed Myra, was welcomed into a home filled with other cats and endless affection.
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Brando, renamed Koda, found his place with a married couple who promised him a lifetime of warmth, cuddles, and security.
“These kittens will be pampered and cherished,” fellow foster mom Evelyn shared, “and they will continue having the best vet ever.”
Hope in the Hardest Times
For Jessica, the losses of Acorn, Maple, and Raven were devastating. But Nutmeg and Brando’s survival offered a reminder of why she continues her work.
Their journey shows how fragile life can be — and how even in the face of despair, hope has the power to create brighter endings.
In the end, Myra and Koda’s story isn’t just about kittens surviving a deadly disease. It’s about resilience, compassion, and the miracles that happen when people refuse to give up.
