Nugget’s silent story: how an abandoned kitten found love

Tarynn Byrum’s life changed when she rescued a tiny kitten named Nugget, who had been cruelly thrown into a storm drain. Despite health challenges, Nugget’s story became one of love and survival.

During a regular workday in North Carolina, Tarynn Byrum had no idea that a small kitten would forever change her life. A colleague shared a disturbing story about a man in a truck who had thrown an orange kitten into a storm drain in a parking lot before fleeing. Moments later, Byrum found the terrified little kitten, barely managing to crawl out from behind a concrete block, exhausted and scared.

Urgent care for the tiny kitten

The kitten was in severe condition. Its fur was tangled, it had a flea infestation, and its eyes were entirely covered in discharge. Despite its exhaustion, it didn’t resist when Tarynn gently scooped it up. To keep it safe, she placed the fragile creature in a box until the end of her shift. After work, she drove for 45 minutes (about 70 kilometers) to the nearest veterinary clinic, staying well into the night to ensure the kitten received immediate care.

From rescue to adoption

At first, Tarynn thought she would simply treat the kitten and find it a new home. But just one day was enough for her to realize that the kitten, named Nugget, would be staying with her. Nugget’s story, shared on TikTok, garnered over 300,000 views, touching the hearts of many. When she found him, Nugget weighed less than 7 ounces (200 grams), but with the right care, he started to grow and reveal his unique personality.

Health challenges along the way

The road to recovery wasn’t without its obstacles. Veterinarians detected a mild heart murmur, but it was of a low grade and not concerning. The most persistent issue, however, was the flea infestation, which required multiple treatments and deep cleaning of Tarynn’s home. Despite these challenges, Nugget continued to improve and is now healthy and thriving.

A surprising detail: he doesn’t meow

There’s something incredibly unique about Nugget: he doesn’t meow. When he opens his mouth, it seems as though he’s trying to make a sound, but no noise comes out. This unusual trait doesn’t affect his well-being, but it certainly makes his story even more remarkable. Initially shocked by the cruelty she had witnessed, Tarynn now sees Nugget as a sign of fate — a bond born from an awful act, transformed into a heartwarming tale of love.

Source: TikTok