Zip-Tied Kittens To Make Full Recovery At San Diego Shelter

SAN DIEGO, CA — Two kittens found zip-tied together at a shopping center are going to make a full recovery, Helen Woodward Animal Center announced.

The orange tabbies, named Frodo and Sam, were found on May 20, along with three other kittens in a shopping cart at a PetSmart in Riverside County. The other three kittens did not survive.

Frodo and Sam were taken to Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe for treatment. Medical staff determined the kittens were less than five days old, still had their umbilical cords and were covered in fleas.

Frodo's rear left leg looked completely mutilated, and the brothers hadn't eaten in hours, according to the center.

"Despite the seemingly bleak outlook for their survival, the center took them in," the center's officials said in a news release. "Now, a month later, it's looking like the brothers will live full, healthy lives."

The kittens are recovering in foster care.

Last Monday, Frodo and Sam — named after the protagonists of the "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy — had their four-week checkup and first round of shots. Dr. Alexis Siler, the center's medical director, was shocked by how well Frodo's leg was healing.

"After he lost his foot, I thought for sure we would have to amputate Frodo's entire leg," Siler said. "But his wound is healing so well, he might end up getting to keep (his leg)."

Frodo and Sam will remain in foster care until they are both 8 weeks old and weigh 2 pounds.

"Once both those conditions are met, they'll be altered and then made available for adoption," officials said.

Authorities reviewed the security camera footage and weren't able to find anything conclusive, according to the center. If someone feels an animal's life is in immediate danger, they should call 911.