Kittens with rare condition cared for by charity

Two kittens born with a rare genetic defect that means they have a bone missing in their front legs may need treatments costing thousands of pounds, a charity has said.

Noir and Neve, who are just over six weeks old, have feline radial agenesis and are being cared for at Harrogate Cat Rescue.

Neve has the condition in one leg, while Noir has the condition in both front legs and may need specialist surgery in the future, which the organisation said could be expensive.

Celia Dakin, who runs the centre and is fundraising for their care, said: "If that is what Noir needs then I will find that money."

The rescue centre was asked to care for the kittens when they were just five days old and Celia then took them to a vet who identified the genetic defect.

A specialist centre for animals has given the kittens splints to try to help straighten their front legs, while other bones in their legs grow.

"For Neve, because it is only one of her forelegs, even without the splint on, she was already coping really well," Celia said.

She added that Neve was climbing on the sofa, running around and playing, and "with the splint on already the bone is straightening".

However, Noir had been more badly affected by the condition.

"He could have a life as he is, but obviously I want to improve his mobility and they're hoping the splints will straighten his legs as well, but over time it might well be that he will require surgery," she said.

Celia added that she hoped the kittens would be adopted in the future.

"They are astonishing. The little girl is a pest on legs. She is full of personality.

"They're very affectionate, very sweet, very loving.

"The little boy, Noir, he is a gentle soul, he's just the sweetest personality, purrs as soon as you look at him. They're very different but just as adorable, both of them."

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