Kitten Gelato Gets Custom Wheelchair and Forever Home
Gelato, a stray kitten with a lower-back injury that left him unable to use his hind legs, arrived at Cincinnati Animal CARE in Ohio. The shelter’s wheelchairs were too large for his tiny frame, so lead veterinary technician Mallory Smith improvised a miniature wheelchair from cardboard, tape, zip ties, wooden rulers and Hot Wheels toy cars. After adjustments, the device supported Gelato as he moved around.
A later custom 3D-printed wheelchair was engineered to fit Gelato’s body and grow with him, replacing the toy-car version. The story spread on social media, attracting the attention of Hope Hollandsworth, a tattoo artist who adopted Gelato. Hollandsworth says Gelato is already perfect just the way he is and that his new family will love and support him whether or not he ever walks on his own.
Spinal injuries in cats vary, and a cat’s prognosis depends on the extent of the damage and remaining neurological function. Gelato’s case shows that a guaranteed recovery is not required for a happy future.
Key takeaways
- Gelato’s lower-back injury prevented normal use of his hind legs.
- A homemade wheelchair made from household items enabled him to move.
- A custom 3D-printed wheelchair was later created to accommodate growth.
- Gelato was adopted by a family who will support him regardless of his mobility.
- A cat’s worth is not tied to recovery from spinal injury.
Ready to bring a cat or kitten home? Browse adoptable cats and kittens on Petfinnly.
Originally reported by Catster. Read the full article.
Cover photo by Amiel Joseph Labrador via Pexels.
