Six Kittens Receive Tiny Casts to Correct Rare Limb Disorder

Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot, Chianti, Burgundy, and Malbec are named after the many varieties of wine, and together they make quite an adorable six pack! In addition to their exceptional cuteness, there is something else special about these little furballs. They have a genetic condition that causes their front limbs to grow abnormally. As a result, all six kitties must wear tiny casts to help their little legs develop properly.

The Los Angeles based organization, Kitten Rescue, pulled the littermates from East Valley Animal Shelter in Van Nuys earlier this month. The kittens were just three weeks old, but already rescuers could see that there was something different about them. Their front legs appeared to be crooked, and as they grew, the joints were bending at odd angles.

Kitten Rescue sought help from the bone and joint specialists at ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospital where all six kittens were diagnosed with carpal laxity syndrome, a condition primarily seen in puppies.

According to a Facebook post from Kitten Rescue, the causes of the disorder aren’t clear, but it is assumed to be the result of an imbalance in growth rates between the bones and tendons of the front limbs.

The “Wine Kitties” have been fitted with casts to help correct the condition. While the teeny-weeny casts are extremely cute, they mean that the kittens will need frequent check-ups and focused care over the next several weeks.

If you would like to help this six pack of furry cuties grow and heal, you can make a donatation toward their medical care via the rescue’s website.