By Katniss, Cat Reporter

This spring, a volunteer for Candy’s Cats rescue received a call about a feral cat that had given birth. The kittens were rescued and Mama Cat was spayed and returned to her colony. But one of the kittens, Esmeralda, was blind and had deformed “pretzel” legs. I got the chance to sit down for a cat-chat with Esmeralda.

KATNISS: You know all the sensitive, cat-loving Humans are thinking, “Oh, that poor thing! She’s blind! Look at her legs!”

Esme’s “pretzel” legs

ESMERALDA: Yeah, a lot of people have a soft spot for special needs pets. But the truth is, I’m just a cat. I may have more challenges than others, but I don’t let anything stop meow.

KATNISS: You’ve been decribed as “a loving, energetic, happy kitten who knows no limitations.” What are some things you enjoy doing?

ESMERALDA: Well, I love to torment my siblings.

KATNISS: Who doesn’t?!

ESMERALDA: Right? And I enjoy chasing balls, tossing my toy spring around, and climbing.

KATNISS: Sounds pretty typical to me.

ESMERALDA: And I love to climb to the top of the cat tree.

KATNISS: One of your vets said you are “a little gypsy princess, and as everyone knows, gypsy princesses have magic.”

ESMERALDA: I think I just won him over with my loud purring. I am a snuggly cuddle bug purr machine, after all.

KATNISS: Can I ask… why did your eyes have to be removed?

ESMERALDA: When I was about 7 weeks old, my eyes started to enlarge. It didn’t hurt, but it was kinda freakin’ meowt. Turns out I had Congenital Glaucoma, and the only treatment available was surgical removal of the eyes. I feel much better meow.

KATNISS: And what about your legs?

ESMERALDA: Appurrantly, I had been positioned badly in the womb, which caused my legs to get all twisted. The technical name is Contracture – Flexor Tendon, Subluxation-Intertarsa. The good mews is that the x-rays revealed an optimistic purrognosis. If I’d had a bone deformity, that would’ve required multiple surgeries. But it turns out I only had a shortened tendon and soft tissue problem. Surgery offered me the best hope of a normal, pain-free life.

KATNISS: Pawsome! So how are your legs feline now?

ESMERALDA: I still have a bit of a wobbly left leg, and my tendons and muscles have a way to go to be strong and sturdy. There is also still a pawsibility of additional surgical procedures in the future, but so far, the vets have been thrilled with my progress.

Esme’s legs befurr

Esme’s legs meow

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KATNISS: When will you be available fur adoption?

ESMERALDA: I can’t even think about a furever home until I get a clear “everything is great” with my legs, from the surgeon. I see him in Decempurr. In the meantime, I am enjoying my role as Candy’s Cats Ambassador.

KATNISS: As Ambassador, what wisdom do you want to impart to Humans?

ESMERALDA: That being different is cool and doesn’t get in the way of having friends and having fun. I also like to educate people about community cats – like my Mom – and the benefits of TNR (trap-neuter-return). Homeless cats deserve to live comfortably, to be fed and to be fixed.

KATNISS: I’m sure you’re viewed as an “inspurration”… but I just think you’re cool. Wanna toss a crinkle ball around?

ESMERALDA: Sure! First one to lodge it under the bureau wins!

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If you’d like to contribute to Esmeralda’s medical fund, please visit her PoundWishes page.