Georgina Price and Christopher Lardner warmly embraced Herbie, a senior rescue cat, into their lives with open arms. Even though their time with him was short-lived as Herbie passed away a few months later, his memory left a lasting impact on their hearts. The couple, devastated by the loss, found solace in the idea of opening their home to another furry companion in need. Keep up with their journey by following their Instagram page (credit to meow.af).
Georgina expressed her concern for abandoned animals who may have limited time left before they find a forever home. Determined to make a difference, she and her partner set out to find a unique and extraordinary cat that might need a little more patience in finding the perfect family.
Georgina stumbled upon Toby and Quinton while browsing the internet. She found them on the RSPCA website when they were in need of a new home. Quinton, a 7-year-old cat with a black and white coat, had no teeth, while Toby, a 6-year-old short-haired cat, had excess skin. The RSPCA had them listed as a bonded pair, and Georgina and her family decided to adopt both cats to give them a loving home. “We thought it would be better to help two sweet cats instead of just one,” Georgina said.
Georgina recently found out that Toby has been diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) or feline cutaneous asthenia (FCA), a genetic condition that can result in unusually stretchy, loose, and delicate skin due to a deficiency of collagen. “We were completely unaware of this condition until we learned about Toby’s diagnosis,” Georgina shared.
Photo credits go to tummyandgummy. When Georgina and Christopher visited the RSPCA, they saw the pair in a dedicated area. “They were both really scared and huddled in the corner. Toby stayed behind Quinton the entire time, shaking.”
Georgina was able to soothe Quinton with ease, but Toby was too scared to be touched. Despite this, she and Christopher were ready to provide excellent care for the extremely anxious special needs cat, so they decided to adopt both Toby and Quinton.
Image courtesy of tummyandgummy
Toby and Quinton took some time to adjust to their new surroundings. “They were really scared at first and hid under the bed for weeks. But with some food and lots of love, they finally came out of their shells,” explained Georgina. “Now, they pretty much run the show. They do their own thing and get upset if you disturb them while they’re napping on the bed.”
Image courtesy of Tummy and Gummy
Toby deals with a condition that impacts his skin’s elasticity, making him more susceptible to injuries even during simple activities like grooming or playing with his friend Quinton. Georgina and Christopher, Toby’s owners, do their utmost to prevent him from getting hurt or cleaning his wounds, which he dislikes. Due to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Toby’s stomach hangs down to his knees, and his owners worry about the potential long-term health effects of the added weight of his excess skin, such as possible joint problems.
“Thankfully, his hypermobility condition doesn’t seem too severe, and we’re able to manage it without much trouble,” Georgina noted. “His skin is just a bit more fragile, which leads to frequent tears, mostly around his neck and head.”
“We’re constantly reminding him not to scratch or trim his nails too short to prevent any accidental harm. But he’s stubborn and insists on taking care of himself,” she chuckled.
“He actually goes to Quinton for assistance in grooming, with Quinton licking his face and head, especially around any cuts.”
Photo credit: tummyandgummy
In order to prevent Toby from straining his joints too much, his owners ensure he doesn’t jump from high places. They often scold him for scratching or cutting his nails to reduce the risk of injury, but Toby seems to believe he can handle things on his own. Despite needing some extra attention, Georgina and Christopher are delighted with Toby and his brother Quinton.
Photo credit goes to tummyandgummy. Despite facing health challenges, Toby is a typical cat who enjoys watching birds, chasing bouncy balls, and cuddling with his humans. According to Georgina, Toby especially loves belly rubs and will sit next to you, patiently waiting for some cuddles.
The woman hoped that by sharing Toby’s journey, more people would learn about his unique condition and hopefully be inspired to welcome special needs cats into their homes. She stressed that loving them doesn’t require any extra effort and pointed out that despite their special needs, these animals are just as beautiful, with their own distinct personalities, preferences, and the capacity to love their owners just as much in return.
Credit for the image belongs to tummyandgummy.
Image provided by tummyandgummy
Photo credit: tummyandgummy
Image provided by tummyandgummy
