Fans are paying tributes to kitten, Tater Tot, after being confirmed dead following battle with enlarged heart caused by pneumonia

Information reaching Kossyderrickent has it that Fans are paying tribute to kitten, Tater Tot, after being confirmed dead following battle with enlarged heart caused by pneumonia. (Read More Here).

The rescue kitten, known as Tater Tot, who has recently taken the internet by storm died suddenly on Aug. 2.

The viral kitten, known for his messy hair and mismatched colored casts, passed away Wednesday after about a week of various symptoms. His foster mom, Ash Houghton, said his energy had decreased and he was exhibiting signs of pneumonia. Tater Tot was being treated with antibiotics when he passed away.

Ash Houghton WROTE on Facebook: “Hey Spudbuds,

I’m honestly not sure how to start this post, but here it goes. 

Today, our tiny spud, passed away suddenly in my hands. His energy had been slowly decreasing over the last week or so, and we were hoping it was an illness that antibiotics could treat. He also started showing signs of pneumonia a few days ago, and I had started pneumonia protocol with meds and a nebulizer. 

“I brought up the possibility of a heart condition with our vet, but Tater Tot was too small to have any tests run on him yet. With how sudden his passing was today, I truly think he had an enlarged heart and it just couldn’t keep up with him. One moment he was walking around and the next he was gone. 

This tiny little potato has had such a profound impact on my heart, and I am so unbelievably happy I got to share him with the entire world. What started as me sharing some photos of the goofy new foster I had turned into an entire community focused on kindness, humor and compassion. I am astounded at the reach Tater Tot’s story had, and I cannot express to you just how incredible it has been to see how he has impacted the world.

I hope that his resilience during his short time here continues to inspire people. He was dealt a really tough hand with multiple health concerns, but he didn’t let that slow him down. He showed us that even if we have some struggles, there is always something to fight toward. 

I want to thank every person here who has been in his corner cheering him on. It has been so beautiful to watch millions of people around the world unite over the life of one small little creature. 

“Working in rescue is hard. We put so much love, care, literal blood, sweat and tears into trying to save as many animals as we can – sometimes they just don’t make it, and it is devastating. My heart is shattered. This tiny tot was such a joy to care for, even on the days it was hard as hell. Tube feeding a kitten every day for 6 and a half weeks is no easy task, and I definitely bonded with this guy in a way I’ve never bonded with a foster before. He has left his paw prints on my heart, and I hope he left some tiny paw prints on yours.

I am not shutting down this page even though our little grompy potato has crossed the rainbow bridge. His life has helped bring to light the difficulties of working not only in rescue, but caring for animals with disabilities. I want his memory to live on in the stories of other creatures who are built just a little different from others. 

“In closing, I would love it if all of the Spudbuds could make a donation to their local shelter in Tater Tot’s honor. Please help his life continue to impact other animals in the world.

Thank you for being a part of Tater Tot’s journey, and for having such a profound impact on me and our rescue. We never anticipated we would build a whole community, but my goodness, I am glad we did. 

I will be taking a few days offline. This one really hurt. Tagging admins to watch this post so I can be disconnected for a bit to grieve.

Lots of love to you all,

Mama Bonker

Sara Dani Chase Brim Mollie Tracy.”

The kitten, who wore little casts usually referred to as ‘bonkers,’ went viral on social media this summer, raising awareness of special needs animals and their journeys to recovery.

Throughout his short life, Tater Tot’s resilience served as an inspiration, showing that even amid struggles, there is always something worth fighting for.

Kitty CrusAIDe is a cat rescue organization that focuses on helping feral cats, including spaying and neutering. The group knew that Tater Tot’s medical expenses would be significant, prompting them to hold a fundraiser naming contest for him.

Houghton, while heartbroken over the loss of Tater Tot, expressed gratitude to everyone who supported and cheered for him.

In honor of Tater Tot’s memory, Houghton encourages people to donate to their local shelters, helping other animals in need.