An urgent appeal has been launched to help an adorable kitten walk after he was born with his legs back to front.
The tiny feline, who has been christened Happy Feet, was taken in by Gables Dogs and Cats home at just ten days old with a significant physical deformity.
He cannot walk as his back feet are bent backwards and without treatment he is unlikely to ever be able to walk properly or experience a good quality of life.
But the non-euthanasia charity in Plymouth, Devon, said it will not give up him and are determined to give him a chance at survival.
They have affectionately named him Happy Feet, as they are optimistic that with their care and support he will be able to heal over time and live as normal a life as possible.
The charity said it took Happy Feet to its vets with great trepidation, fearing the worst.
After an examination, the vet gave staff the positive news that it may be possible to fix the kitten’s feet with specialist physio as the issue appears to be muscle-related.
Happy Feet is now receiving gentle physio three times-a-day.
Gables are hopeful that over time he will be able to walk and had reached out to its supporters for help towards the cost of Happy Feet’s ongoing care and veterinary support, estimated at around £1,000.00.
Claire Sparkes, general manager, said: “When Happy Feet first arrived with us we feared the worst, but after receiving such hopeful news from our vets, we knew we had to give him a chance at life.
“His mum, named Penguin, and the rest of the litter all appear healthy. As we are a genuine non- euthanasia charity we are determined not to give up on this otherwise healthy kitten, who has already shown us such a will to survive, even at his young age.”
To contribute to ‘Happy Feet’s Appeal’ call 01752 331602 or visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/happyfeet