Adorable Rescue Dog With Unique Look Seeks Loving Forever Home

Meet Sewer Rat: The Little Kitten with a Big Personality

The compassionate staff at the Dekalb Humane Society (DHS) are no strangers to rescuing animals in dire need of care and compassion. But their latest rescue, an unusual kitten named Sewer Rat, has captured hearts in an entirely unexpected way.

“He’s a kitten. Allegedly,” DHS playfully noted on Facebook. “He currently looks like he crawled out of a haunted crawlspace.” But while the comment may inspire a chuckle, Sewer Rat’s first days at the shelter were anything but humorous.

Rescued from the Streets: A Rough Beginning

According to DHS director Teresa Feightner, little Sewer Rat was found alone as a stray kitten in the middle of a trailer park road. The roughly 7-week-old orphan was in rough shape—scruffy, frail, and utterly alone.

“He was completely alone and in really rough shape,” Feightner told The Dodo. “He needed immediate help.” The DHS team took him in for a full check-up, and the concerning truth behind his patchy fur came to light—Sewer Rat was battling a severe case of ringworm.

Fighting a Severe Infection with a Gentle Spirit

The diagnosis revealed that Sewer Rat was suffering from one of the worst cases of ringworm the shelter had seen in a long time. This contagious fungal infection compromises both the skin and the fur, causing discomfort and a concerning appearance.

“Despite how uncomfortable it must be, he’s been handling it like a champ,” Feightner explained. And his health challenges haven’t put a dent in his temperament—in fact, the opposite is true.

Tiny Body, Huge Heart

Though Sewer Rat’s appearance might not win traditional beauty contests, his charming and resilient spirit has won over the hearts of everyone at DHS.

“He’s a little angel,” Feightner shared. “His foster says he loves to curl up on your chest to nap. He’s surprisingly sweet for a kitten going through so much.” Even with patchy fur and scaly skin, his endearing ‘gremlin chic’ has people completely smitten.

Searching for a Forever Home—Fungus and All

Now on the mend, Sewer Rat is searching for an adoptive home near DeKalb, Indiana. His treatment must continue until the infection has fully cleared, and he will eventually be ready for neutering. DHS is seeking a special someone who’s willing to care for a kitten with medical complexities.

“We know Sewer Rat isn’t everyone’s type,” DHS posted. “He’s patchy. He’s fungal. He’s got that ‘I just woke up in a ditch’ energy. But he’s also healing, sweet, playful, and so much closer to being okay.”

Ideal Adopter Qualifications

Comfortable handling a kitten with a fungal infection
Has a dedicated space for isolation during treatment
Loves quirky, underdog pets

Spreading Awareness for Medically Complex Pets

While Sewer Rat’s story has gone viral thanks to his unconventional looks, DHS hopes his story will raise awareness for all medically challenged shelter animals waiting for love.

“We’ve had a huge response to Sewer Rat,” Feightner said. “His crusty little gremlin charm is undeniable. But beyond the laughs, we hope people see that cats with medical needs deserve love too.”

Watch Sewer Rat’s Journey

Watch on TikTok

Sewer Rat may have arrived at the Dekalb Humane Society looking like a creature from the shadows, but thanks to love, compassion, and a whimsical sense of humor, he’s now a beacon of hope for misunderstood animals everywhere.