A stray kitten born with a club foot immediately started running when he got the help he needed to walk.
While a team of animal rescuers helped a colony of cats, a feral cat led them to discover five kittens, two of which were just five weeks old.
Among them was a black-and-white kitten born with a club foot, which caused his paw to point downward and inward. He couldn’t put weight on that leg and walked with a limp.
Clinging to his tabby brother, they were rescued and taken to the vet for care.
Chatons Orphelins Montreal welcomed all five kittens into their rescue and named the one with the deformed leg Chabote.
The vet treated him for a kitty cold and determined that his club foot could be corrected using a splint as his bones were still developing.
“Chabote quickly got used to his splint, trotting around with it. It didn’t bother him at all, and he continued walking and playing with his brother,” the rescue shared.
After just one week, his leg looked straighter, and he could use it more effectively.
“The splint helped reposition his leg and put it in the right direction. He was rescued just in time to receive the treatment as he was still growing. We wanted to give him every opportunity to help him walk normally.”
Thrilled to be able to put weight on all his legs, Chabote romped around with his splint on like it was nothing.
He raced other kittens, tossed toys around, and didn’t let anything slow him down. He was brave, adventurous, and curious about his surroundings. With his improved mobility, he didn’t want to miss out on any action.
He was a good sport when getting his bandages changed, watching inquisitively while purring up a storm.
After tiring out from all the playing, Chabote conked out in his fluffy bed near his people, dreaming of his next adventure. He was completely at ease indoors, basking in the love and pampering.
After three weeks of treatment, Chabote graduated from the splint and started bouncing joyfully on all four paws.
He zooms around the house with unbridled energy, trying to outrun his feline playmates, making up for those weeks of having a bum leg.
“He can now walk and run normally. He behaves like any other kitten. The early treatment has helped remedy his deformity.”
Chabote plays hard but naps even harder after all the antic-making with his equally boisterous friends.
“It’s crazy to see how he moves everywhere like nothing happened. He is mischievous yet gentle and loves to play with his brother, who encourages him to jump.”
When he discovered a crinkling cat tunnel, his eyes sparkled with mischief. He dove in and out like a furry tornado, then rolled around inside until he bolted out again.
Chabote, who was found hobbling around with his brother, is now a blur of joyful energy.
Thanks to all the dedicated care, he races through tunnels, chases moving toys, and leaps for sunbeams with reckless abandon.