After losing their rescue cat, Herbie, Georgina Price and her fiancé, Chris, had no intention of adopting any pets anytime soon. However, Price knew she had to see Toby and Quinton in person after seeing them on the RSPCA’s website.
On the scene, Toby was quite impossible to overlook. He appeared older than his six years thanks to the contemplative expression on his slack, wrinkled face.
Toby has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a condition wherein his droopy skin is extremely fragile and easily tears. Having suffered in his last home, Toby looked to his big brother for protection in the shelter.
“Straight away we could see their bond,” Price told The Dodo. “Quinton [was] wide-eyed and snappy (they gave us some tuna to feed them) but the whole time Toby was huddled in the corner or behind his brother constantly. Having rescued before, we knew this wasn’t anything to worry about.”
For Price, it was love at first sight, and the couple immediately submitted an application.
“The fact that they both had medical issues, Toby’s EDS and Quinton’s lack of teeth, meant that not only could we help two special needs cats but also keep two brothers from other mothers together,” she said.
For weeks following their arrival, Quinton and Toby persisted on residing beneath the bed because they were apprehensive to trust their new parents. But with enough time and incentives, the shy cats started to open up to their new parents and felt at last secure.
Still, Quinton took sure to take good care of Toby, just as he had done while they were staying in the shelter.
Price said, “Quinton has been a fantastic big brother and washes Toby’s face and neck. “Surprisingly, when playing with Toby, Quinton hardly extends his claws. A few light taps usually work since he is aware not to damage him.
Toby’s unique looks have recently gained him a passionate following on Instagram. With over 12,000 followers, Toby is becoming a kind of poster cat for EDS, raising awareness around the rare condition.
“It’s hard not to fall in love with Toby as soon as you look at him, everybody does,” Price said. “However, the truth is Toby mostly suffers from the skin side of EDS — there’s a whole spectrum of symptoms that can come with EDS and in a way we are lucky the saggy skin is his main ailment.”
“It can be such a debilitating condition for people and animals,” Price added. “So spreading some awareness is a great offshoot of us just posting pictures of our cats.”
Toby enjoys playing with his bouncing ball, cuddling with his brother, and pleading with his mother for belly rubs despite the difficulties his illness presents on a daily basis.
Despite the fact that Toby’s expression appears dejected, his mother is adamant that this is not the case: “He is such a delightful, fun, and happy child.
Toby is as kind and adorable as he appears to be, according to Price.”
