Help Kitten Born with Limb Deformities

The moment I held Athena on June 23rd 2024, I knew she had to be mine. This little 11 week old black and grey kitten that weighed two pounds was staring up at me with big green eyes and I couldn’t say no. Taking her home with me was an easy decision, but deciding what to do next wasn’t so easy. Athena was born with multiple limb deformities of her front legs, leading to difficulties walking and recurring pressure sores. She had been placed on the euthanasia list at the local animal control after it was determined that she was “un-adoptable”, but the humane society rescued her and fostered her until she was ready to be adopted. As a disabled person myself, I related to this tiny kitten and knew I wanted her to get the best care possible.

When we saw the veterinary orthopedic surgeon for the first time, I left with my head swimming. After getting a second opinion, the diagnosis we landed on is Feline Radial Hypoplasia, meaning her radius bones are not formed properly. It is crucial that we start treatment immediately to avoid further deformities, pressure sores, and spine issues.

Her orthopedic surgeon has recommended first soft custom leg braces, then custom hard braces, and wheels to keep her from bending forward when she moves, which is causing pain in her spine.

Athena’s foster mother described her as a “spitfire” and I have never seen a more accurate use of the term in my life. She runs, jumps, and plays, but it is obvious that she has pain from pressure sores and related complications and she can’t always keep up with the other cats. This treatment plan will help her continue to be a little spitfire and also be pain-free.

As you can imagine, these treatments are not cheap. Her first set of x-rays cost nearly $500, with the soft leg braces costing $800 (including cast molding) and her hard braces estimated at $1300. None of this includes routine care like getting her spayed and vaccinated and treatment for her pressure sores caused by her deformities.. These treatments are going to be so so vital to her regaining more mobility and reducing pressure sores and other complications, but as of right now I can’t do this alone. Time is of the essence in Athena’s case and I hope that our community can help her have the best outcome possible.

Athena currently has an instagram account (@twisty_legs) where I will be posting pictures and updates for everyone to follow her journey. She has been having so much fun during our adventures lately!