A kitten who was born with wobbly feet, turned into a bundle of energy just hours after he left the shelter.
A 6-week-old kitten was found as an orphan and brought into Animal Care Centers of NYC. He was a bit wobbly on his feet and didn’t know how to eat on his own.
Staff began syringe-feeding him, which he tolerated. Knowing that he would need a foster home and a dedicated carer, they got in touch with Little Wanderers NYC, an all-volunteer rescue, for help.
Little Wanderers NYC volunteers sprang into action. Within a few hours, they were able to get the kitten started on a new chapter in a home environment, with round-the-clock care.
“He has a condition known as cerebellar hypoplasia (CH) or ‘wobbly kitten syndrome’,” Little Wanderers NYC shared with us. It affects the kitten’s fine motor skills and coordination, but he is otherwise happy, healthy, and pain-free.
The kitten was lovingly named Figaro. Ashley who fosters for Little Wanderers NYC, welcomed him into her care with open arms.
Just 10 hours after leaving the shelter, Figaro began eating on his own like a champ. “He was so thrilled when I offered him canned food. I hand-fed him initially, and now, I hold it up to his face,” Ashley told us.
Figaro was immediately curious about all the new things surrounding him. He was pleased with his cozy nursery where he could move around and play safely.
It didn’t take long before he started playing with a ball toy and asking his foster mom for attention and pets.
Figaro explored around his new space and played with anything he laid his paws on. Despite having a plethora of blankets strewn about, he passed out mid playing, on top of his toys.
Figaro is very determined and doesn’t let anything slow him down. He needs assistance with drinking liquids and is figuring out his litter box like a champ.
“He certainly enjoys digging in the litter. He is using the litter box. He’s very unsteady but he neither notices nor cares.”
The tuxedo boy has grown very fond of snuggling on a warm lap. He keeps his purr motor running on high, and is always ready to play.
“He purrs constantly and he is wild. For a kitten with CH, he has more energy than any kitten his age I’ve ever seen. He loves to play and the only time he meows is when he wants someone to play with.”
Figaro may be a bit wobbly on his feet, but what he lacks in motor skills, he makes up for in personality. He’s a feisty little boy with unbridled energy.
He’s mastered the art of wrestling and likes to hold his toy in his mouth or with both of his front mittens.
“Figaro wants to play every moment he’s awake.”
Figaro was able to leave the shelter and receive care in the comfort of a home.
“Fostering truly saves lives. You don’t need much, just a spare room and commitment to look after these cats/kittens while they wait for their forever home,” Little Wanderers NYC shared.
Being a bit wobbly doesn’t bother Figaro as he revels in his new life filled with purrs, good food, soft blankets, and lots of toys.
