Many cat lovers would love it if their beloved felines could remain kittens forever. For Ellen Carozza, a Feline Licensed Veterinary Technician, this actually sort of happened for real!

Francis the tuxedo cat was the size of a newborn kitten when he got to Nova Cat Clinic when he was three weeks old. Though his siblings all weighed at least 10 ounces, he was less than half their size!

Ellen saw that though Francis was weak, he was also a fighter, so she decided to take him home and foster him herself.

Ellen quickly learned that Francis loved to eat and loved getting affection from others. He would often meow constantly and refuse to stop until Ellen cuddled with him.

Ellen and her fellow veterinary workers feared that Francis was suffering from health problems that stunted his growth.

“After speaking to several specialists, he is not hypothyroid due to confirmed additional tests but may have a growth hormone deficiency,” Ellen said. “He has multiple issues we are working on, not just him being small.”

Francis may be small, but he has a huge personality that makes everyone fall in love with him.

By the time Francis was six weeks old, he was still only the size of a three week cat, but Ellen did not mind at all. Instead, she decided to adopt him and keep him forever!

Ellen has been taking Francis to the NOVA Cat Clinic’s foundation, the Chris Griffey Memorial Feline Foundation. There, he is getting the care that he needs to grow! He loves keeping foster cats company at the foundation!

“Francis is 13 weeks and Chesham (the calico) is 18 weeks,” Ellen said. “He is half her size but has the correct mental and emotional behaviours for his age. We do not plan to pursue why he is small, as he is healthy.”

Ellen is overjoyed that Francis has found a friend!

“Patience, perseverance and patient advocacy saved his life,” Ellen said. “Never give up on your most difficult cases, someone is out there to help you.”

We’re so glad that Francis’ story had a happy ending! Find out more about him in the video below!