A Mass. Rescue Is Helping Gumby, a Kitten with Limb Differences, Find a 'Home Before the Holidays'

"We've never seen a cat quite like this," Dr. Rebecca Fellman of MSPCA-Angell, says of Gumby

Gumby the kitten is hoping to ring in 2024 in a forever home.

The 11-week-old kitten arrived at Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Angell Animal Medical Center (MSPCA-Angell) on November 22, after a transfer from the SPCA of Texas.

Gumby was moved to MSPCA-Angell for evaluation and treatment for his limb differences.

"We've never seen a cat quite like this," Dr. Rebecca Fellman, MSPCA-Angell's lead clinician of community and shelter medicine, said in a statement. "Both of Gumby's back legs are severely deformed with muscle contracture that limits his joint mobility, but he still manages to get around—often on all fours."

The kitten's limb differences cause Gumby's back legs to rest at severe angles with limited mobility, but that hasn't kept the cat from getting around. MSPCA-Angell is holding back on performing surgery on the kitten, as Gumby has shown he is comfortable moving and using the litterbox independently.

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"We’re working with Angell specialists to explore all pathways to manage his condition, but Gumby’s quite remarkable in that he’s actually doing well despite the deformities," Dr. Fellman says.

"At this point, he isn’t developing any sores, and it looks like surgery may not significantly improve his mobility, so it doesn’t make sense to put him through what will be a painful process at this time," she added.

After enjoying Gumby's company for the past few weeks, MSPCA-Angell is ready to help the kitten find his forever home and is working to ensure he and his adopter are an ideal fit.

"Gumby acts like a regular kitten," Erin Morey, the clinic coordinator of the MSPCA Boston Adoption Center. "He loves attention and can be a little mischievous."

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While Gumby acts like a typical kitten, he does have more needs than some felines.  His adopter should have a close relationship with a trusted veterinarian because the effects of Gumby's limb differences will need to be closely monitored over time.

"He can’t jump around or climb stairs, and there are times that he will need help getting around. Long term, he might benefit from physical therapy or other forms of assistance, especially since his mobility and needs might change as he grows," Morey shared, adding that MSPCA-Angell hopes to have Gumby in "a happy home before the holidays."

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"But given his medical condition, we want to find him the right environment to match his needs," Morey concluded.

Those interested in adopting Gumby should submit an inquiry at mspca.org/gumby.

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