A Mass. Rescue Is Helping Gumby, a Kitten with Limb Differences, Find a ‘Home Before the Holidays’

Gumby the kitten hopes to be in his forever home in 2024.

The 11-week-old kitten arrived at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Angell Animal Medical Center (MSPCA-Angell) on November 22, after being transferred from the SPCA of Texas.

Gumby was transferred to MSPCA-Angell for evaluation and treatment for limb differences.

“We’ve never seen a cat like this,” Dr. Rebecca Fellman, MSPCA-Angell’s chief clinician for community and shelter medicine, said in a statement. “Both of Gumby’s hind legs are severely deformed with muscle contractures that limit his joint mobility, but he still manages to get around—often on all fours.”

The differences in the kitten’s limbs cause Gumby’s back legs to rest at large angles with limited mobility, but that didn’t stop the cat from moving. MSPCA-Angell is refraining from performing surgery on the kitten because Gumby has shown that he is comfortable moving around on his own and using the litter box.

Gumby the kitten in his kennel at MSPCA-Angell, waiting to be adopted.

MSPCA-Angell

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“We’re working with Angell’s experts to explore all the ways to manage his condition, but Gumby is pretty remarkable in that he’s actually doing well despite his deformities,” says Dr. Fellman.

“He’s not developing any sores at this point and it looks like the surgery may not significantly improve his mobility, so there’s no point in putting him through a process that’s going to be painful at this point,” she added.

After enjoying Gumby’s company for the past few weeks, MSPCA-Angell is ready to help the kitten find his forever home and work to make him and his adopter a perfect match.

“Gumby acts like a regular kitten,” Erin Morey, clinic coordinator for the MSPCA Boston Adoption Center. “He likes attention and can be a bit naughty.”

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Gumby the kitten at MSPCA-Angell.

MSPCA-Angell

Although Gumby acts like a typical kitten, he has more needs than some cats. His adopter should have a close relationship with a trusted veterinarian as the effects of Gumby’s limbs will need to be closely monitored over time.

“He can’t jump around or climb stairs, and sometimes he’ll need help getting around. In the long term, he could benefit from physical therapy or other forms of help, especially since his mobility and needs can change as he grows,” he said. said Morey, adding that the MSPCA-Angell hopes Gumby will be in a “happy home before the holidays.”

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“But given his health condition, we want to find him the right environment that will suit his needs,” Morey concluded.

Those interested in adopting Gumby should send an inquiry to mspca.org/gumby.

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Source: HIS Education