A kitten with “swimmer’s legs” is so happy to be running and climbing for the first time.
Stef and Milena from Montreal, Canada drove hours to the rescue of two 9-week-old kittens. Upon arrival, they noticed that one of the kittens’ hind paws were pointing to the sides, and she had to crawl on her belly to get around.
They transported the kittens to their cat rescue, Chatons Orphelins Montréal, where the feline sisters were named Naboo (orange and white) and Swimmy (dilute calico).
“The two little ones were just skin and bones and covered in fleas and ear mites,” Celine Crom of Chatons Orphelins Montréal shared with us.
“Swimmy has Swimmer’s Syndrome, a developmental abnormality which caused her hind legs to splay laterally,” Celine added.
The dilute calico had to draw her hind legs upward when she moved around. Despite it all, she let nothing stop her.
After being seen by a specialist, they formulated a plan to improve the kitten’s mobility and help her regain strength and functionality in her back legs.
“Her condition can be corrected through physical therapy and we are determined to give her the quality of life that she deserves.”
One of her exercises is done in a swimming pool, where she gets to paddle in the water with the help of a physical therapist. Swimmy has completed many sessions with flying colors along with cheers and encouragement from volunteers and veterinary staff.
The brave little kitten keeps swimming in the pool while working her legs to the right positions.
“(Over the last few weeks,) Swimmy has gained a lot of strength in her hind legs, and they are a lot straighter now,” Celine shared with us.
Watch Swimmy and her journey in this video:
When Swimmy was strong enough to run on her hind paws, she zipped around the room with so much excitement. The resident cats were fascinated by the little zealous runner and came to offer some nose sniffs.
Swimmy’s sister Naboo is her biggest cheerleader. She encourages her to play and investigate new toys, and keeps her company when they nap.
The two best friends are loving their VIP life where they don’t have to worry about food or comfort.
Now, Swimmy is a lot more agile and able to run and climb things like any other kitten. She is constantly on the go, jumping onto higher ground and trying to catch anything that moves.
She has blossomed into a terrific climber—she will hop onto a cat tree and grab onto a post with all fours before making her way up a platform in a ninja-like fashion.
The calico never ceases to amaze her humans with what she can do as she continues to make strides.
Once Swimmy discovered her ability to run and climb, she was obsessed and is now living like a true feline athlete every day.
