Towards the end of the previous month, Friends for Life Rescue Network, a respected animal rescue facility in Los Angeles, took in a four-week-old polydactyl kitten with curled ears and a bobtail. Unfortunately, the kitten also had an extremely bent ankle that needed attention.
Jacqueline DeAmor, the founder of Friends for Life Rescue Network, informed Embora Cats that polydactyl cats can be born with a bent front leg due to the size of their paws in utero, which can cause the arm to bend at an abnormal angle when there is limited space in the womb.
Due to her larger paw size, she was unable to fit comfortably in the litter with her littermates, which resulted in her tendons becoming constricted.
Indy, the kitten, has limited mobility as she walks on her forearm. Her owners believe that physical therapy can significantly improve her condition due to her young age.
Jacqueline from Embora Cats recommends massaging and stretching a newborn’s legs within the first few weeks of life as a way to correct leg issues before bone calcification and shortened tendons make stretching difficult. This is particularly effective if started at the four-week mark.
In the span of one week, Indy’s unsteady walking improved after using leg wraps, eventually allowing her to become a more energetic and lively cat.
Foster liaisons Adam and Margaux were completely enamored with Indy, the little tabby, who loves attention and was syringe-fed during the day.
As I began to feed Indy, she would jump right into my lap and patiently wait for her meal. The couple disclosed to Embora Cats that her actions melted their hearts.
Her adaptation to the leg wrap was impressive, and it didn’t hinder her progress. Her leg straightened out so quickly that she only required the wraps for a week.
Watch Indy and her journey in this cute video:
Adam and Margaux reported to Embora Cats that following each meal, she receives 10 minutes of leg massage and stretching.
Indy is currently almost seven weeks old and has the ability to stand up and run around on her paws like any other typical kitten.
As she’s gained more stability on her feet, her playful demeanor has become increasingly apparent. She takes great joy in jumping, chasing objects, and engaging with toys by playfully wrestling with them. Afterward, she seeks solace in cuddling with those around her.
Indy, a small cat, enjoys chasing and pouncing on the larger resident cats. When she needs to rest, she retreats to her bed.
“She goes here every time she feels tired,” Jacqueline shared with Embora Cats.
With a soft blanket under her, she kneads the sweetest biscuits while purring contentedly.
Indy is a cat with a carefree and adventurous spirit. She’s brave, playful, and enjoys every little thing in life.
Share this article:
Recommended: