The rare condition of this cat made it unlikely that it could be adopted, however, a couple seeking to give home to a pet in a special situation was the one indicated to give it a new life.
Georgina Price and Christopher Lardner live in Gloucestershire, England, along with their beloved cat Toby. But this is not an ordinary cat, it has a rare physical condition called feline cutaneous asthenia or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) in humans, which makes it not produce collagen and the skin is loose and elastic.
In October 2018, this couple found a photo of Toby on the page of RSPCA, an animal cruelty prevention organization since 1824. They did not need more and made the decision to adopt.
Everything was not that easy. When Georgina and Christopher arrived at the shelter, Toby was in a corner behind his inseparable friend Quinton and was not allowed to touch.
“We had never heard of EDS before we found it, we just knew that it needed a loving home and we have so much love to give,” Georgina told Love Meow.
And is that Georgina and her fiancé had lost their 16-year-old cat Herbie, just five months after adopting him. Her home felt very lonely.
Gina added:
“I kept thinking about all the animals that would only have five months left and would spend all that time without a shelter,”. “So, we decided to find a very special cat that could take a little longer,” she added.
What they did not count on was that it would be double, and that Toby would not leave the shelter without Quinton. Both cats had been rescued by RSPCA, in very poor condition; Quinton had all his teeth removed and Toby only a few.
During their stay in the shelter, both cats always stayed together, but apart from the rest, as they continued with constant fear.
Georgina and Chris were ready to accept the challenge. Once in their new home, the cats hid, and especially Toby, was not allowing anybody to touch it.
“We had to feed them under the bed and they didn’t come out unless we were out of the house or asleep,” Georgina told Love Meow. “Little by little, they began to trust us, but it was slow,” she added.
Gradually the cats began to trust these generous humans, and they also began to seek their cuddles. The connection was finally established!
Toby needs special care, as his hanging skin makes him prone to injury. The couple tries to prevent him from jumping to high places so that his joints are not compromised and he washes his wounds, which, of course, Toby doesn’t like at all.
Now, every time Georgina makes coffee in the kitchen, Toby comes running, stretching to see what mom is doing and asking for a gift.
Christopher told Daily Mail:
“After a difficult start in life, we are glad we found them. We can prevent Toby from further harm and alleviate any potential problems that his EDS may bring, “
“These cats with special needs show appreciation and love in abundance with a little patience and time, so we hope that our sad and happy cat encourages others, capable and willing, to adopt and not to buy,” Georgina added. “There are so many Toby and Quintons out there that need a home.”
But … watch out! … Don’t be fooled by that scolded cat face, Toby is like any playful and mischievous cat, and he also loves having his tummy scratched.
With the purpose of spreading Toby’s physical condition, Georgina opened an account on Facebook and Instagram, where you can follow the daily life of these peculiar cats … and perhaps encourage you to adopt one in need of love and a home.