A wobbly kitten can now walk straight thanks to 3D printing technology.
Carly the cat has a rare condition called swimmer’s syndrome, which makes her extremely unstable on her paws.
The six-month-old kitty was surrendered to the All Paws Rescue group in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, but her disability made it tough for her to find a forever home.
In December [2018] Carly was fostered by Karen Boerner, a professional pet groomer who lives in Guelth.
Karen created a social media post about Carly’s condition and a company who makes gaming equipment for people with disabilities stepped in to help.
Andrew Cameron, co-owner of Andosh Accessible Gaming, then collaborated with a certified Orthotist to create a 3D printed brace that would help little Carly move.
On Monday [March 4, 2019] Carly was fitted with the device for the first time, and she took off like the wind.
“It was amazing to see how quickly she was getting around,” said Jennifer Cameron, 52, administrator for Andosh Accessible Gaming, who initially spotted Karen’s social media post.
“It was so cute, she stood there upright for the first time, like ‘I’m a big kitten now’, she was so proud of herself.”
Andrew Cameron, 25, and his brother Joshua, 22, felt an affinity for Carly because they were were both born with a rare condition called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
The syndrome causes their bodies to dislocate easily, due to a lack of connective tissue.
“Andrew has had numerous dislocations in his life and has has worn a number of braces. He felt empathy for Carly…they both know what it’s like when your joints just won’t support you,” said Jennifer.
Carly is now back at home with her foster mother Karen, and if all goes well with her new braces she’ll be put up for adoption in the next couple of weeks.
“She could kind of walk before, but her hind legs dragged behind her, or her bum would drag along the ground,” said Karen, 54.
“She is much more active now. She loves playing with the other cats in the house, now she can keep up with them, before she used to get left behind.
“With the braces she can now climb in and out of a regular litter box, just like a big girl.
“She seems even happier than before, nothing gets her down.”