Rescued kitten with birth defect of both back legs

kitty mum

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I'm new here and my husband has rescued a kitten (approx. 5-8 wks old) from a barn. Both of his back legs do not work. Took him to vet and was told that it is a birth defect and other than his legs and fleas, he is healthy. They didn't give me anymore to go on, as far as care. He is eating canned food right now. He is going to the bathroom, but is incontinent, so is quite messy. I've been using baby wipes to keep him clean. We believe that he deserves to have a chance at life, so my husband is interested in building him a wheelchair. He has grown accustomed to not having the use of his legs and gets around quite well. He is very playful and loves to cuddle. We've only had him a couple of days, so he doesn't have a name yet. If anyone has any suggestions on his care and ideas for a wheelchair, they will be greatly appreciated.
 

ritz

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Thank you so much for rescuing this kitten.

Insofar as ideas for a wheelchair, here is a site.  You might also contact Best Friends, I seem to remember them doing an article on a wheelchair for dogs/cats (same principle).

Did the vet say anything about his incontinence--is it permanent? 

Here is a thread that has some good ideas. 

Post name and pictures when you have them!
 
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kitty mum

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Here's an update. We are still deciding on a name, but he is doing great! He learned how to climb into chair today :clap: He is playing with balls and string. Got fleas gone. Wants to make friends with our other two cats, but they're not quite ready. Vet did say that incontinence would be permanent. Noticed during bath time that he does have movement to his knees, just nothing below. No messes on floor today :clap: , just in cage. Will post pics as soon as I figure out how lol. We just love this Lil guy!!!!:rbheart:
 

scarlett 001

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How cute that he is playing with toys!! You two are obviously very compassionate people to bring this kitty into your lives with such open arms!! What a lucky kitty he is. What colour is he??

I really hope that you can build him a wheelchair to help him get around - what a great idea.
 
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kitty mum

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Here he is!! Thank you all for your kind words and encouragement! He's been up playing for about 6 hours now, finally has tuckered out and sleeping in daddy's lap.
 

scarlett 001

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He is amazingly cute!! No wonder you cannot resist him. I LOVE orange cats. Sounds like he is not letting his leg issues stop him from just being a kitten and playing. How adorable. So glad that he found you!!
 
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kitty mum

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So...we have named our precious lil guy "Simba". He is such a delight! I'm kinda worried about his eyes...they run quite a bit and in am they're matted shut. I'm keepingthem wiped out, but is this normal?
 

mrblanche

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The eyes are not normal.  He may need to be treated for an upper respiratory infection, or possibly L-lysine, since those eye problems are usually a manifestation of feline herpes.  There are lots of threads on the subject here, so you should be able to find out dosages, etc.
 
 

stephanietx

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If you're on FB, you should check out The Little Kitten who Could, the page about Pretzel the kitty with twisted legs.  There's also one on Bear, the kitty with deformed legs, and also one on Dot, the kitty with spina bifida.  All of them have disabilities, yet flourish.  I know Dot wears a diaper due to her incontinence, but they all have lovely lives and are thriving.
 
 
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