Update: Corky the Cradle Cat Recovers

Lots of amazing things can happen in a just a week's time, especially for a kitty named Corky the Cradle Cat; an affectionate kitty whose life is in the process of a truly miraculous transformation.

It was only a week ago today that I shared the inspirational story about Corky the Cradle Cat  who was born with a congenital condition called Bilateral Arthrogryposis of the Tarsus. Corky’s hind legs were backwards and crisscrossed, making it impossible to walk and have a normal “kitty” life.

Because of his severe birth defect, Corky was scheduled to be euthanized at the Pound in Moorhead, Minnesota. However, when the loving folks from CATS Cradle Shelter arrived to pick up two other cats, recognizing how special he was, the moment they laid eyes on Corky, they fell in love with him and immediately stepped up to the plate to save his life.

As his story unfolded around the Internet, folks from all over the world also fell in love with this courageous kitty. As a result of this outpouring of adoration, CATS Cradle shelter was able to raise enough money to pay for Corky’s life-changing surgeries and his hospitalization and concomitant extensive medical care.

Since I promised our readers to post an update on the latest developments of Corky’s progress, last night I spoke with Gail Ventzke, a Co- Founder and director of CATS Cradle Shelter to get the latest scoop from the horse’s mouth, so to speak.

During his surgical recovery, Corky suffered nerve damage to his left hind foot. This interfered with his circulation causing it to become necrotic requiring the leg to be amputated.  Now that the “troublesome” leg is gone it’s like a weight has been lifted. The good news is “tripod” cats get along very well and run and play without any apparent difficulty.

Corky is out of the hospital, living temporarily in a loving foster home during this stage of his recovery.  He is eating, playing, purring, and using his litter box in which he enjoys digging energetically. Gail added that Corky is very private about his “bathroom” habits, and won’t “go potty” if anyone is watching him.  He will just sit in the box until his privacy is respected. I suggested a foldable miniature three panel room divider to be set up around the litter box might just be what the doctor ordered! 

Corky seems to be taking everything in stride, through it all.  He continues to be cooperative, maintains a fabulous attitude and is incredibly affectionate.

Corky the Cradle Cat has some exciting mews to share! In hopes of winning $2,000 for CATS Cradle Shelter, he was entered into and made it into the finals of the Spring Fling Photo Contest on The Animal Rescue Site. Just think of all the needy kitties CATS Cradle Shelter will be able to help if Corky wins the top honor.

You can help. Join TEAM CORKY and cast your vote for him. Get involved in the Corky campaign; share the voting link with all your friends. GO CORKY!!!

Watch the video uploaded to YouTube by CatsCradleShelter, of Corky playing with his new toys the first day he was out of the hospital. 

Corky the Cradle Cat’s courage and “can do” attitude is inspiring folks all around the world.  How has his story touched you? Share in a comment.