A kitten born with frog-like legs made great progress in just a few weeks. She is striving to live everyday to the fullest.
Cecelia the frog-legged kittenMurphy’s Law Animal Rescue
A kitten with splayed out back legs was brought into Murphy’s Law Animal Rescue (in North Carolina) for a chance at a better life.
Her hind feet were facing sideways, and she appeared to be in a frog-like posture. With a trip to the vet, they confirmed that the kitten was born with Swimmer Syndrome, a developmental abnormality.
“It is a congenital condition that causes the (kitten’s) legs to splay laterally,” Sarah Kelly, the founder of Murphy’s Law Animal Rescue, shared.
She was born with Swimmer Syndrome where her hind legs were splayed outwardsMurphy’s Law Animal Rescue
The condition affects the ligaments in the joints of the legs, and “the kitten is left with unstable leg joints that aren’t able to correctly position themselves for adequate balance or mobility.”
Instead of the legs being positioned under the body, they appear like a frog or breast stroke swimmer. The condition can often be reversed with intervention.
Murphy’s Law Animal Rescue
Sarah lovingly named the kitten Cecelia (Ce-SEAL-ia) for her resemblance to a little grey seal. Despite being very small, Cecelia already harnessed plenty of sass and a big squeaky voice.
“She is a heart of gold, a spirited little soul, and an absolutely adorable face,” Sarah said.
She is always in good spirits and has a lot to sayMurphy’s Law Animal Rescue
The treatment plan was to give the kitten extensive physical therapy several times a day and splinting her legs in the correct position—whatever would work best for the kitten to gain mobility.
“The goal is to strengthen and fuse the bones in the correct position with physiotherapy and splinting exercises.”
Murphy’s Law Animal Rescue
Cecelia was excited for any attention she could get, and the time she spent with her foster mom during physical therapy. She put in extra effort and gumption into moving her legs in the right direction.
Watch Cecelia the kitten in this cute video:
Cecelia the kitten
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While she was getting her daily exercise and treatment, Cecelia got some company from other foster kittens to cheer her on.
Ruby the tuxedo immediately took a liking to the grey kitten.
Ruby and CeceliaMurphy’s Law Animal Rescue
In just a couple of weeks, Sarah noticed a stark difference in Cecelia’s hind legs being much straighter.
The kitten was able to stand and walk on her hind paws, and her balance and coordination had improved as well.
Transformation in just a couple of weeksMurphy’s Law Animal Rescue
“There has been lots of physical therapy and exercising to get to this point. This little girl is so much stronger, moving way better,” Sarah wrote.
The kitten has also discovered her penchant for cuddles, and enjoys nothing more than snuggling on a warm lap, kneading away with her paws.
Happy kittenMurphy’s Law Animal Rescue
Cecelia has made incredible progress as she conquered her condition like a champ. She takes it in stride and walks on all four paws now with ease.
Cecelia can now stand and walk on her hind pawsMurphy’s Law Animal Rescue
“This little girl loves laps and attention like no other. We are so excited for her and all her progress,” Sarah said.
Cecelia and her foster sister RubyMurphy’s Law Animal Rescue
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Related story: Kitten Determined to Walk and Lead a Happy Life After Being Brought in as a Stray