Cute kitten with a handicap was supposed to die, now it walks on crutches!
Atlanta (USA) - Kitten Athena had a really difficult start in life and was even due to be put down after birth. Today, the sweet kitten is in good hands and is probably one of a kind!
Because the four-legged friend crawls around his new home on crutches.
US-American Madison Russell adopted Athena from an animal shelter. The kitten had previously narrowly escaped death. She was due to be killed because of her malformed front legs. Animal rights activists prevented this, then Russell arrived.
The young woman told Newsweek that she had to live with a handicap herself and that she was dependent on a wheelchair. When she saw pictures of Athena on the internet , she immediately fell in love with the four-legged friend.
"I felt connected to her and knew she had to be mine," Russell said.
Athena the cat was fitted with walking aids by an orthopaedic surgeon
In order to give Athena a reasonably comfortable life, she took the cat to physiotherapy. In the beginning, Athena could only slide around on the floor. This resulted in problems with her spine.
Finally, an animal orthopaedist came up with the idea of fitting the tiger with leg braces. So Athena was given "cat crutches". And lo and behold, the custom-made product significantly improved the little furball's life.
The four-legged friend learned to keep her balance, walk and turn around. "She is my everything. She's a very special cat," said owner Madison Russell.
Athena is now six months old. Her owner keeps all fans up to datewith her development on the Redditplatform , posting pictures and videos there.