Indie, a special polydactyl kitten, had big paws and a determined personality. She was overjoyed when she finally got to run around freely. But just a month earlier, she was a tiny four-week-old kitten with a bent leg, curled ears, and a bobbed tail. The Friends For Life Rescue Network took her in.
Jacqueline Damore, the rescue’s founder, explained that the cause of Indie’s bent leg was because of her large paws while she was still in her mom’s belly. The problem got worse because she was part of a big litter, which constricted her tendons. Indie could only walk on her forearm.
Thankfully, physical therapy could help. Jacqueline said, “We usually correct this with massages and stretching when kittens are newborns. Four weeks is the perfect time to splint and fix the leg before their bones harden.” After just one week of leg wraps, Indie could land on all four paws and walk more steadily. She became a little ball of energy, full of sass and spirit.
Indie loved people and being spoiled. Adam and Margot, who took care of her, were smitten with the little tabby. “Every time I sat down to feed her, Indie would jump right into my lap and wait for food. It melted my heart,” they shared. Even with the leg wrap, Indie played and interacted with everyone. Luckily, her leg straightened out quickly, and she only needed the wrap for a week.
Now, at almost seven weeks old, Indie can stand up on all four paws and run like any other kitten. Her playful side shines through—she jumps around, chases things, and wrestles with toys. When she’s tired, she snuggles up for cuddles. And guess what? She’s quite the speedster, trying to pounce on the bigger resident cats. When it’s time to rest, she heads to her favorite cat bed. “She goes there every time she feels tired,” Jacqueline shared.
Indie also loves kneading soft blankets while purring up a storm. It thrills her to run around carefree, brave, playful, and adventurous—enjoying every little thing life has to offer.