Wobbly Kitten Walks Straight For First Time Thanks To 3D-Printed Leg
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Featured Image Credit: SWNS
In news that should make your day a little brighter (and possibly leave you having a little happy cry in the loo) a wobbly kitten can now walk straight thanks to 3D-printing technology.
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Little Carly the cat was born with a rare condition known as swimmer's syndrome, which makes her unstable on her paws.
The six-month-old puss was surrendered to the All Paws Rescue group in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, but her wobbly disability made it tough for her to be adopted and find a new home.
Karen Boerner, a professional pet groomer who lives in Guelth, Canada saw Carly in December 2018, fell in love and fostered her.
Karen created a social media post about Carly's condition to try to find somebody who could help her find her feet and help her find her forever home.
A company that makes gaming equipment for people with disabilities saw the post and were keen to take on the challenge.
Co-owner of Andosh Accessible Gaming, Andrew Cameron, collaborated with a certified orthotist to create a 3D printed brace that would help little Carly get around more easily.
On Monday Carly was first fitted with the device and she zoomed off.
Jennifer Cameron, 52, administrator for Andosh Accessible Gaming, who spotted Karen's social media post said: ""It was amazing to see how quickly she was getting around.
"It was so cute, she stood there upright for the first time, like 'I'm a big kitten now', she was so proud of herself."
Andrew Cameron, 25, and his brother Joshua, 22, felt an affinity for Carly's struggle because they were were both born with a rare condition called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
The syndrome causes their bodies to dislocate easily, due to a lack of connective tissue.
"Andrew has had numerous dislocations in his life and has has worn a number of braces. He felt empathy for Carly...they both know what it's like when your joints just won't support you," said Jennifer.
Carly is now back at home with her foster mother Karen and, if all goes well with her braces, she'll be put up for adoption in the next couple of weeks.
"She could kind of walk before, but her hind legs dragged behind her, or her bum would drag along the ground," said 54-year-old, Karen.
"She is much more active now. She loves playing with the other cats in the house, now she can keep up with them, before she used to get left behind.
"She seems even happier than before, nothing gets her down."