A Long Road Ahead for Special Needs Boy Bobby

Meet Bobby, a special needs cat who is very fond of stuffed elephants - but not so fond of other cats.

Bobby’s former owner rescued him from the streets of Turkey, where he was found scavenging for food from a dustbin, dragging his deformed back legs behind him. He was then flown to the UK to start a new life, where he shared a home with seven other cats.

Although Bobby is extremely affectionate and friendly towards humans, it became quickly apparent in this new multi-cat household that he is less keen on sharing space with other cats. Bobby’s disability did not prevent him from repeatedly getting into spats and fights with his feline ‘siblings’, a habit that was made more high risk by his positive diagnosis for FIV. Although FIV is a difficult virus to transmit, it can be passed on through deep bites.

The difficult decision was made to rehome Bobby, and CatCuddles agreed to take him on. Upon examination at our North London cat clinic, it was quickly determined that Bobby continuing to drag his back legs was unsustainable, as it was causing him to twist his spine in an unnatural position, likely resulting in considerable pain. Specialists were consulted, and it was agreed that Bobby would have a better quality of life if the leg were amputated, one free of the daily discomfort that he had become accustomed to since his time on the streets.

Bobby’s amputation was completed at the clinic last week, and he has since been fostered at our Abbeywood hub. In some regards, his recovery from surgery has been swift - he is happily eating and playing already, as can be seen in these recent pictures.

In the long term however, Bobby has a very long road ahead of him. His veterinary needs are among the most complex and unusual that we have encountered at CatCuddles. He will need daily physiotherapy to improve the muscle tone in his remaining hind leg, and to teach him how to put weight on it, something he is unused to due to him previously dragging his back end to get around.

Whilst the experts we have consulted believe there is every hope of success, there are no guarantees. It may be a long while before Bobby’s health is stable enough for him to be adopted, and there may be many more unforeseen bumps in the road.

Whatever Bobby’s future holds, however, we are here for him, doing whatever is necessary to ensure that he has a rich and happy life as a special needs cat. One that is full of volunteers to dote on him, and stuffed elephants to hug.

To make a donation towards Bobby's ongoing vet treatment, please visit CatCuddles.org.uk/donate#donate-money or click on the ‘Donate’ button below.