Casper the ‘Marathon Kitten’ Gets PAWS Chicago Clean Bill of Health

“Marathon Kitten” has found his forever home!

After being rescued on Sunday, new Chicago resident Casper the kitten received a health check and is doing great in his new home.

The 7-week-old kitten was rescued by Boston resident Sarah Bohan during the Chicago Marathon after the marathon runner spotted a “white fluffy thing” on the sidelines of the race.

dr. Emily Yacker, medical director of PAWS Chicago, said the kitten had received the most recent comprehensive medical exam and received preventive care, which included a microchip, vaccinations and preventative flea and tick treatments.

asper “Marathon Kitten” at PAWS Chicago.

Colleen Barkley/PAWS Chicago

1 lb. 12 oz. dr. Yacker considered the kitten a “fighter.” The vet added: “He is very interactive and wants to kiss you. And he really hit the jackpot in terms of finding a family.”

Although the slightly underweight kitten made his first visit to the vet, he is scheduled to return in two weeks for further vaccinations, treatments and a neutering procedure, Dr. Yacker explained.

As for Casper’s new family, he is now part of the Maldonado family, which opened its arms to the kitty as Bohan walked the cat on the marathon course.

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Sarah Bohan, the marathon runner who saved the kitten during the race with the kitten’s new owner Andre Maldonado.

PAWS Chicago

Bohan first spotted Casper at mile 21 and was soon joined by fellow runner, Gia Nigro, and the two continued to ask marathon spectators if anyone would care for the kitten. By mile 22, Andrea Maldonado and her family volunteered to take care of Casper.

“We were on the sidelines having fun and suddenly a girl with a cat approached me. We love pets – I already have two cats and a dog – so I said, ‘OK, what’s one more?’ “, said Andrea.

“I must have asked them five times to confirm that they were going to care for this cat and love it,” Bohan told PEOPLE exclusively. “I was committed to making sure this little baby was going to be okay and I wasn’t going to just hand her over to anyone.”

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Casper “Marathon Kitten” at PAWS Chicago with the Maldonado family.

Colleen Barkley/PAWS Chicago

As the Maldonado family welcomed the kitten into their family, their identity was unknown to the runner who shared the story with PAWS Chicago. Ahead of the marathon, Bohan pledged that her run was in support of the city’s no-kill shelter.

The shelter then shared the story on Instagram, announcing that the “good Samaritan” who took in the kitten could receive a free veterinary exam at PAWS.

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The Maldonado family was then identified and brought Casper in for a vet check – they also said their older cat had also been treated at the animal shelter.

Andrea said the Maldonado family and Casper quickly bonded, and as the family discussed names, they decided on Casper because the tiny white cat’s fur also has a few black dots on the back of its head, Andrea said.

She added: “We brought him home and our family loves him and our dog loves him – they’re best friends already. We will give him a good home.”

Casper “Marathon Kitten” at PAWS Chicago.

Colleen Barkley/PAWS Chicago

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Source: HIS Education