Kitten Born With Leg Deformities Learns To Walk With Help From Oregon Rescuer
Meet Macaroni, a polydactyl kitten who was born with an unusual condition affecting his front legs. Just when life seemed toughest for him, a compassionate person stepped in to give him the care he needed to one day move and play like any other kitten.
It all began when Jacqueline “DeAmor” Santiago, president of Friends for Life Rescue Network in Oregon, came across a tiny orange tabby with noticeable abnormalities in his front limbs.
With years of experience looking after kittens with special needs, Jacqueline couldn’t turn away from Macaroni and immediately offered to help him.
Macaroni stood out not just because he was polydactyl, but also due to tendons in his front legs that had caused them to twist unnaturally.
He was only four days old when Jacqueline welcomed him into her care. Seeing him so tiny and vulnerable, she was determined to do everything possible to give him a normal kitten life.
Being a newborn actually gave Macaroni an advantage, as kittens this young have a higher chance of correcting twisted limbs. Jacqueline explained:
“This is often caused by either polydactylism (extra toes) or by a small mom with not enough room in the womb for the legs to stretch. Their legs get stuck in the same position during development and need to be stretched over the course of weeks to help them grow correctly.”
Jacqueline began a routine of physical therapy, including careful massages and stretching exercises.
Macaroni’s improvement was impressive, and he approached each session with bravery, making steady progress.
As he grew and began opening his eyes and ears, it became clear he was ready to experience life like any other kitten.
With his oversized paws and wobbly steps, he fearlessly started exploring his surroundings.
Over time, Macaroni’s front legs straightened considerably, though he still had a long path ahead. Jacqueline noted:
“The stretches have helped prepare him for splinted wraps (which shouldn’t start until at least four weeks old) by stretching and lengthening the tendons to maximize success.”
Macaroni grew so accustomed to the treatments that he started enjoying the attention he received several times a day. Jacqueline added:
“His legs are just a little stubborn, so the splints are done for a few days to get him over the threshold and get his paws under him. As he grows, his weight will finish straightening the rest.”
Macaroni proved to be a true fighter, determined to get his legs aligned correctly.
Even better, he became more lively with each day, relishing playtime with his foster mom and the resident cat, Wolfie
“Mac is a big purr machine and loves to play already. He enjoys flailing his legs and trying to bite with his tiny teeth. He’s still ultra snuggly. We are hoping that once his paws are under him, he will start running around.”
Looking ahead, Jacqueline and her team are confident that Macaroni will keep making strides in his recovery.
He’s a determined little fighter, so there’s no doubt he’ll continue to succeed.
Once fully recovered, everyone hopes Macaroni will find a loving forever home where he can run and play just like other kittens. With his charming personality, it’s certain he’ll find a perfect family in no time.
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