A tiny kitten, weighing less than a pound, made a harrowing journey through the turbulent waters of Tampa Bay. Most likely, she was cruelly discarded, thrown off a bridge into the water, left to drown. Unfortunately, in many coastal communities, this is a heartbreaking and common occurrence. However, this little kitten beat the odds. She didn’t drown, nor did she sink — she swam.
Meet Tampa Bay’s Own Unsinkable Molly Brown Now affectionately named the “Unsinkable Molly Brown,” this brave kitten’s story began when a construction crew found her under one of the many Bay bridges. The poor thing was soaking wet, shivering from the cold, terrified, hungry, and desperate for fresh water.
Her tiny body, covered in striped fur, was strangely also covered in sand. According to her foster mom, Kristin Gilpin, the sand was likely picked up during her battle in the water, kicked up by the tide, storms, and nearby construction activity in Tampa Bay.
A Rescue Like No Other The construction crew went above and beyond for the little kitten while waiting for Kristin to arrive. They safely retrieved her from the water’s edge, washed off the saltwater, and dried her from the cold swim.
Looking at the small, tightly wrapped “Purrito” of fur, there was even a hint of a content smile on her face. She eagerly devoured KMR (Kitten Milk Replacement), as she was too young and small to eat solid food. It was heartbreaking to think she may have been part of a litter that didn’t survive. At such a tender age, she should still have been with her mother.
A New Chapter Begins for Molly Brown Now, Molly Brown is beginning the rest of her life, safely in Kristin’s care. She’s being nourished, hydrated, and loved. Despite the ordeal she endured, she is friendly and seems relatively healthy. Remarkably, it even seems like her ocean journey may have drowned all the fleas she once had.
A Bright Future Awaits Molly Brown now resides with Kristin near Tampa Bay, far from any more dangerous “swim lessons.” She will stay with her foster mom until she’s ready for adoption, and in the meantime, she’s enjoying the company of other foster kittens.
Her incredible resilience and bravery have left an indelible mark on everyone who helped save her. Molly Brown is truly unsinkable, and nothing will keep this courageous kitten down.
A huge thank you to everyone involved in rescuing and caring for Molly Brown — she’s a true survivor. Welcome to the rest of your life, brave girl!
