Corky the Cat Recovers After Surgery on Deformed Legs

Back in April, the world was introduced to Corky the cat. The stray kitten was born with Bilateral Arthrogryposis of the Tarsus, a congenital deformity that rendered his hind legs backwards and crisscrossed. Corky was even named after the corkscrew shape his legs made. His chance of survival looked slim but fate seemed to be on Corky’s side.

Despite rejection from the local pound and being slated to be euthanized, Corky's life was spared thanks to Cat’s Cradle, a pound located in North Dakota. Feeling for the cat, the Cat’s Cradle employees rescued Corky and then set off to find someone to help fix the kitten’s disfigurement.

In an article by MSNBC, Gail Ventzke, the director of the Cat’s Cradle shelter, said: “The first vet we saw didn’t think it was possible to help him, so we went to another vet, and another and another, until finally we found a doctor who was willing to operate.”

The surgery occurred on April 5. Corky’s legs were reshaped, joints were removed, his legs were repositioned, and steel plates were inserted. However, after three weeks of therapy, acupuncture, and hydrotherapy, one of his back legs developed circulatory problems. It needed to be amputated.

But even so, Corky has made a fantastic recovery and remains an inspiration for pets and people alike. Still only 10 months old, the tabby and white kitten has been adopted by Ventzke. And Corky now enjoys running around with Ventzke’s other dogs and cats.

From wandering alone on the streets of Minnesota, Corky’s life has changed dramatically and it has changed others’ lives as well. He can run. He can stand. He can climb. And he can inspire.

People have told Ventzke that Corky’s story has inspired them to start volunteering at shelters, she has received gifts and donations from all across the globe, and one woman even said that Corky inspired her to begin fighting her cancer once more.

Corky's tale reminds us that miracles can and do happen. All it takes is kindness and compassion.

What do you think of Corky the Cat’s story? Share your thoughts in a comment.