Special Needs 'Gumby' Kitten Needs Forever Home: MSPCA Boston

BOSTON — An 11-week-old kitten with a rare leg condition that limits his mobility is looking for a forever family that can help the little guy get around when he needs it.

Gumby, who came to the MSPCA from Texas to receive medical treatment and his new home, has a rare deformity of his rear legs that affects muscle contracture and limits his joint mobility.

"We've never seen a cat quite like this," MSPCA Lead Clinician of Community and Shelter Medicine Dr. Rebecca Fellman said.

While Gumby can be a bit clumsy at times, the MSPCA said he is able to walk and use a litterbox. Potential adopters will have to give Gumby a hand from time to time since he cannot jump or climb stairs.

Fellman said it has been determined that surgery will not significantly improve Gumby's mobility and that — other than looking quite peculiar — he is healthy. The MSPCA said Gumby may benefit from some physical therapy once he settles into a new environment.

"At this point, he isn't developing any sores," Fellman said. "So it doesn't make sense to put him through what will be a painful (surgical) process at this time."

Those interested in giving the little guy a new home and a helping hand when necessary can submit an inquiry to the MSPCA here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)