Brave Rescued Kitten With Bendy Legs Learning to Walk With Splints

A tiny kitten born with birth defects is getting the care he needs after being rescued with his family from a property in British Columbia, Canada. Guppy, along with his six siblings and mom, Coral, were found hiding in a garage and later surrendered by the owner to the BC SPCA. The owner had become overwhelmed by a growing number of cats, as Coral had not been spayed and had multiple litters, giving birth to over 30 kittens! SPCA officers noticed Guppy immediately and knew he required urgent medical attention.

Guppy’s bent front legs make it very difficult for him to walk. He is also a polydactyl cat, with extra toes on his paws. Veterinarians at the humane society have put his legs in splints to help straighten them.

Shannon Paille, manager at the SPCA’s Kelowna Animal Centre, said that Guppy is bravely trying to explore his kennel. “He is working very hard to figure out how to move around with them,” she said.

“We are doing everything possible to help this kitten, but the long-term prognosis is still unknown. Our hope is the splints will work, but we won’t know until he has another examination at the vet clinic,” Paille adds. “Guppy is so young, there is still some question about the development of the bone in one of the legs.”

As for Coral and the other kittens, they are adjusting to life at the shelter. Paille says Coral is comfortable with staff handling her babies. The kittens are only five weeks old, so they will need a bit more time to grow before being put up for adoption. Coral will be available for adoption at the same time as the kittens. “She is a great mom,” said Paille. “She is always feeding her babies. They are just a lovely, friendly family.”

Further details about Guppy and his family are on the BC SPCA website.