Miraculous transformation: Kitten with swimmer’s syndrome defies the odds, watch her embrace a life of newfound mobility.
Steph and Milena from Montreal, Canada, drove several hours to save two nine-week-old kittens. When they arrived, they saw that one of the kittens had her back legs spread out to the sides, and she (it was a girl) had to crawl on her stomach to move.
Rescuers transported the kittens to the headquarters of animal activists Chatons Orphelins Montréal , where the little sisters were given names – Naboo (red-and-white) and Swimming (tri-colored).
“Both babies were emaciated, covered in fleas, with ear mites,” says Celine Crome from Chatons Orphelins Montréal
“Swimming has what’s called swimmer’s syndrome, a developmental defect that causes her back legs to splay out to the sides,” Celine adds.
The girl is forced to pull her hind legs behind her when moving. However, this does not stop her at all.
After a medical examination, a plan was outlined to correct the kitten’s mobility and restore the strength and functionality of its hind legs.
“Her condition can be managed with physical therapy and we will do everything we can to give her the quality of life she deserves.”
One of her exercises is done in a swimming pool, where she can row in the water with the help of a physical therapist. The swimmer brilliantly completed many sessions to the cheers of the volunteers and veterinary staff cheering for her.
The brave little girl continues to swim in the pool, working out her legs and bringing them into the correct position.
“(In recent weeks) Swimming’s hind legs have become very strong, they are already much stronger,” shares Celine.
When Swimming became strong enough to run on her hind legs, she began to rush around the room with excitement. Local cats were fascinated by the eager runner and came to sniff their noses.
Swimming’s sister, Nabu, is her best support. She encourages Quicksilver to play and try new toys, and falls asleep next to her.
Best friends enjoy a well-fed home life, without worrying about food or safety.
Now Swimming is much more agile, she can run and climb on furniture like any other kitten. She is constantly on the move, jumping, and catches everything she can.
She has also become that rock climber – she jumps onto a cat tree, grabs a pole with all four of her hands like a ninja, and only in this way climbs onto the platform.
The girl never ceases to amaze her people with how much she can do and continues to make progress.
Chatons Orphelins Montréal
Ever since Swimming was able to run and climb, she hasn’t been herself before these activities, and breaks records in cat sports every day.
