Two days after being accidentally exposed to 15 seconds of radiation from a microwave oven, a seven-week-old kitten was brought to one of our local partner shelters. 

Microwave radiation heats tissues from the inside out, causing burns in unpredictable patterns. Unlike regular burns, these injuries don't involve charring. Damage depends on how close the body is to the microwave’s transmitter, how long exposure lasts, and how much water is in the tissues – with skin and muscle often being more affected than fat.

This kitten showed signs of serious burns: curled and infected ears, deep wounds on her legs and the tail, and inflammation in several areas. A CT scan showed the ear canal had fused closed, likely due to the heat. Despite the severity of the injuries, no internal organ damage was found. The shelter clinical team provided the kitten with emergency care, including pain medications, antibiotics and frequent wound cleaning. Over the next few weeks, her wounds healed, but her tail tip eventually fell off, and she was left with some permanent issues like mild lameness and ear deformities. 

This case highlights the importance of proper forensic evaluation when an animal may have been harmed – even accidentally. While this case was not prosecuted, it was reported and investigated appropriately.

Fortunately, after almost two months of care, the kitten was adopted into a new home and is now doing well. Today, this once-fragile patient is thriving. Her scars are hidden beneath soft fur, her limbs are strong, and she enjoys all the love and safety a kitten deserves.

Because of donors like you, we can offer specialized medical care in a shelter setting. You make it possible for our veterinary team to treat both the routine and  extraordinary cases that require time, skill and resources.

This kitten's story is a reminder that your donations save lives. Thank you for giving her – and so many others – a future filled with hope.