Recently, Stephanie Medao, a foster parent for Stray Cat Alliance, received a call about a unique kitten that had just been born with a cleft palate and twisted hind legs. The previous owners, concerned about the kitten’s health, took him to the vet who suggested euthanasia due to the challenges he faced. However, despite the difficult diagnosis, the owners were eager to help the kitten as he showed a strong will to live and was eager to eat.
Stephanie was contacted and agreed to take in the kitten, now named ‘Grandpa’, through a mutual friend. Stray Cat Alliance supported this decision, and Stephanie was more than willing to provide the care and support needed for the little guy.
When asked by Bored Panda about the situation, Stephanie shared more details about ‘Grandpa’ and his unique appearance, noting that his face resembled that of an old person.
Image courtesy: grandpa.the.kitten
When we asked Stephanie about her initial feelings upon meeting Grandpa for the first time, she struggled to put it into words. She mentioned that even though she fosters day-old kittens regularly, she could tell right away that Grandpa was different. His name seemed to fit perfectly with his adorable smushed face and his peaceful demeanor.
As Grandpa continues to grow, he recently reached a milestone by opening his eyes for the first time. We spoke with his foster mom about his current condition and well-being.
Stephanie shared that Grandpa is still too young to undergo surgery for his cleft palate, so he will be receiving tube feedings until he gets a bit older. His legs are also being closely monitored, with his right leg showing significant improvement due to regular massages and the use of a small splint on his toes. However, the left leg hasn’t shown any progress, and the vet has determined that the bone is twisted. For now, they have decided to leave the twisted leg alone and will reassess the situation as Grandpa grows older.
Credit for the image goes to grandpa.the.kitten. We noticed that Grandpa is not available for adoption, so we were curious to know if Stephanie decided to give him a permanent home.
Stephanie shared, “When I first got Grandpa, I never intended to keep him. However, after just 4 weeks, I couldn’t bear the thought of parting with him. Despite knowing that there is a lot of work ahead of us, he has already found his forever home with me.”
Fostering animals can be challenging, so we were interested to learn why Stephanie agreed to foster Grandpa in the first place.
Stephanie explained, “I have a passion for fostering kittens in need, including those with serious health issues like ruptured eyes or broken limbs. When I was informed about Grandpa’s twisted legs and the possibility of euthanasia, I knew I had to step in and help him without hesitation.”
We were intrigued to find out how the idea for Grandpa’s Instagram account came about.
Stephanie revealed, “Grandpa’s Instagram account was actually an existing one with around 800 followers. I decided to repurpose it just two days after getting him. I changed the handle, cleared out old photos, and shared a picture of him that same night. I never expected him to gain such popularity; I simply wanted to share his cuteness with others.”
Stephanie shared with Bored Panda, “Grandpa was born on 3/20/21. His previous owners discovered his twisted legs and cleft palate, which led them to seek veterinary care. When I learned about his challenging start in life, I knew I had to do whatever I could to give him a chance at a happy, healthy future.”
How do you take care of the kitten on a daily basis? “As the kitten grows older, my daily routine has evolved. When the kitten was less than two weeks old, I had to feed him every 2 hours throughout the day and night. He had a couple of instances of aspiration, so he was also on a twice-daily antibiotic regimen. I would massage his legs for a few minutes during each feeding, and longer sessions in the evening. Nowadays, he is fed every 3-4 hours, and his right leg is currently being stretched. The splint on his leg will be removed in a few days, and depending on his progress, he may need to wear another splint for an additional week.”
Photo credits: grandpa.the.kitten
What has been the most challenging aspect of the fostering journey so far?
“Fostering Grandpa has presented several challenges. The constant worry and responsibility for his well-being weigh heavily on me. Tube feeding a kitten over a long period poses numerous hurdles. A kitten can’t communicate if they aren’t getting enough food or if they’ve had too much. As Grandpa grows older, the discomfort of tube feeding increases, making it harder. Young kittens are delicate and susceptible to falling ill rapidly. Massaging his legs is uncomfortable for him, and I fret about his progress and whether I’m doing enough. Some days he responds well to feedings and massages, while others are more difficult. The fatigue of waking up every few hours for feedings is also draining. I’m always thinking about him, not only because he’s cute, but also because I’m constantly concerned about his health. Despite the challenges, it’s all worth it! I have a solid support system of friends, family, and now his little Instagram community who are always engaged with his updates.”
How did you get into fostering?
“My journey began with caring for stray kittens at a young age, but I officially started fostering my first batch of bottle-fed kittens in 2016 through Stray Cat Alliance.”
“The veterinarians recommended euthanasia due to his slim chances of survival”
Credit for the image goes to grandpa.the.kitten.
Furthermore, due to his bent legs, Grandpa may have difficulty moving around independently to locate his mother’s nipple. Photo credits: grandpa.the.kitten.
Photo courtesy of grandpa.the.kitten
“He requires tube feeding to prevent aspiration since he struggles with bottle feeding, and his legs with deformities need regular massages for comfort.” – Photo credits: imogenthekitten
Photo credit: imogenthekitten
Grandpa’s twisted leg syndrome is caused by his short tendons, which pull his legs backwards. By stretching his legs, we hope to lengthen the tendons and allow his legs to adjust as he grows. Despite the odds, Grandpa now spends his days napping, eating regularly, and enjoying massages and belly rubs. Stephanie and the little guy’s hard work and dedication over the past few weeks seem to be making a difference in his survival chances.
“He may need to undergo surgery for his cleft palate, possibly multiple procedures based on his future requirements. Additionally, he may need leg splints if his legs require further assistance in the future.”
Just a couple of days ago, the little kitten finally decided to open his eyes for the very first time! It’s quite amusing because true to his name, he already seems to have a “so over it” kind of attitude.
Image courtesy: grandpa.the.kitten
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